# NTSB ERA13CA310: Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, N26EL, Tullahoma, TN, April 12, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: April 12, 2013, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Tullahoma, TN - Coordinates: 35.380001, -86.246665 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3800&lon=-86.2467&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 5, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 87350 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13CA310 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87350/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87350 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA310 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper use of wing spoilers during approach resulting in an altitude loss and collision with a tree. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Flight control system: drag control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760/cases.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900) (defining event); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Altitude deviation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 104 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05624RU), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis According to the pilot, he was on a one mile final approach to runway 36 at 800 feet with the glider engine stowed. He noted that the wind was changing and extended the flaps. The airspeed was between 55 and 60 knots when the airbrakes were extended to start a descent. The altitude was high and the glider began to descend at a rapid rate. The pilot closed the airbrakes to arrest the descent rate but realized he was to low and unable to land on the intended runway. The glider collided with a tree, and a post-accident examination revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative According to the pilot, he was on a one mile final approach to runway 36 at 800 feet with the glider engine stowed. He noted that the winds were changing and extended the flaps. The airspeed was between 55 and 60 knots when the airbrakes were extended to start a descent. The altitude was high and the glider began to descend at a rapid rate. The pilot closed the airbrakes to arrest the descent rate but realized he was too low and unable to land on the intended runway. The glider collided with a tree, and a post-accident examination revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N26EL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N26EL-2015-08-27), registration cancelled 2015-08-27, S/N 26243, built 2006 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SCHLEICHER ALEXANDER GMBH & CO ASH 26 E - Registry model: [Schleicher Alexander ASH 26 E](https://openairdocs.org/model/schleicher-alexander-ash-26-e) (registry code 05624RU) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Diamond AE50R](https://openairdocs.org/engine/diamond-ae50r) (registry code 21100, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Glider - Serial number: 26243 - Airframe hours: 15 - Engines: DIAMOND AE50R 50 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Long Jeffrey A - Registered owner: Long Jeffrey A - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 2012, 4 hours before - Departed: THA, Tullahoma, TN - Destination: THA, Tullahoma, TN - Flight plan: Unknown - Airport: THA, Tullahoma Regional Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 5, 2012; seat: front; flight hours: 1,177 total, 16 in this make and model, 1,093 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 29.92 inHg - Observed at: THA, 1 nm away ## 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 20130412016279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130412016279A), Apr 12, 2013: Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & Co ASH 26 E, Tullahoma, TN, Substantial damage. Pilot was low and slow on approach to runway 36 struck tree. Aircraft stayed in tree approx. 15 feet above ground. ## Other investigations on N26EL (1) 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. - [NTSB ERA10LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA325), Jun 18, 2010: Schleicher ASH26 (N26EL), Shelbyville, TN, substantial damage. Probable cause: A complete loss of electrical and engine power over unsuitable terrain due to a cannon plug that became disconnected for undetermined reasons. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 7, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87350. 734 KB in all. - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 1, .PDF, 597 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40398108&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Statement (item 2, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40398073&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1-Glider in tree (item 3, .PDF, 84 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40398074&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201-Glider%20in%20tree-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.