# NTSB DFW06CA111: Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2C, N340TW, Midlothian, TX, April 22, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 22, 2006, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Midlothian, TX
- Coordinates: 32.3836111111111, -97.0086111111111
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3836&lon=-97.0086&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Dallas FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63582
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63582/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA111

## Probable cause

The inadvertent deployment of the spoilers during the aero tow takeoff for undetermined reasons, resulting in a hard landing.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff
  - flt control syst,wing spoiler system - deployed inadvertently (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff
- Hard landing, emergency landing

## Analysis

The 630-hour glider commercial pilot reported that prior to departure from the 4,200-feet by 400-feet wide grass-turf gliderport, he followed his checklist items which included; checking and closing the spoilers, checking the seat belts and shoulder harnesses.  During the aero tow takeoff, the pilot noticed the uncommanded opening of the spoilers and he elected to release from the aero tow.  During the landing on the grass runway,  the glider touched down hard.  The glider received minor damage to its landing gear and the pilot was seriously injured.   The reason for the uncommanded extension of the spoilers could not be determined.

## Factual narrative

The 630-hour glider commercial pilot reported that prior to departure from the 4,200-feet by 400-feet wide grass-turf gliderport, he followed his checklist items which included; checking and closing the spoilers, checking the seat belts and shoulder harnesses.  During the aero tow takeoff, the pilot noticed the uncommanded opening of the spoilers and he elected to released from the aero tow.  During the landing on the grass runway,  the glider touched down hard.  The glider received minor damage to its landing gear and the pilot was seriously injured.   The reason for the uncommanded extension of the spoilers could not be determined.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N340TW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N340TW), registered now, S/N 45, built 1999 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2C
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth VENTUS-2C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-ventus-2c) (registry code 3802054) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 45
- Airframe hours: 301
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Glider tow, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 2006
- Departed: Midlothian, TX
- Destination: Midlothian, TX
- Airport: TA11, Tsa

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; injuries: serious; commercial; last flight review May 1, 2005; flight hours: 630 total, 301 in this make and model, 630 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 165° at 10 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20060422009999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060422009999A), Apr 22, 2006: Sphrth VENTUS2C, Midlothian, TX, Minor damage. (-23) The 630-hour glider commercial pilot reported that prior to departure from the 4,200 feet by 400 feet wide grass turf Gliderport, he followed the…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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