# NTSB FTW82DA086: Schreder RS-15, N37978, Hempstead, TX, March 8, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 8, 1982, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Hempstead, TX
- Coordinates: 30.089448, -96.079017 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0894&lon=-96.0790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 8, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71007
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71007/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA086

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - proper assistance - not maintained, ground personnel (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - delayed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON HIS FIRST FLIGHT IN THIS HIGH PERFORMANCE GLIDER. HE STATED THAT THE RIGHT WING BEGAN TO DRAG WHEN THE RUNNER RELEASED IT EARLY. HE ATTEMPTED TO LIFT THE WING WITH LEFT AILERON AND RUDDER. THE GLIDER LIFTED OFF WHILE IT WAS AT AN ANGLE OF APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 DEGREES FROM THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE PULLED THE RELEASE WHILE THE RIGHT WING WAS ABOUT 3 TO 5 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. SHORTLY AFTER RELEASING, THE RIGHT WING TIP STRUCK THE GROUND AND THE GLIDER SPUN AROUND. THE PILOT THOUGHT HE MAY HAVE PULLED BACK ON THE STICK WHILE APPLYING LEFT AILERON AND RUDDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N37978](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N37978-2013-07-01), registration cancelled 2013-07-01, S/N 22, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHREDER RS-15
- Registry model: [Perry RS-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/perry-rs-15) (registry code 05647W2) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider, amateur-built
- Serial number: 22
- Airframe hours: 14
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald J. Scott
- Registered owner: Ronald J. Scott
- Departed: 35R, HEMPSTEAD, TX
- Destination: 35R, HEMPSTEAD, TX
- Airport: 35R, Hempstead, runway 18, 3,000 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial, flight instructor; medical: unknown; flight hours: 105 total, 82 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 158 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820308003039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820308003039A), Mar 8, 1982: Amtr RS15, Hempstead, TX, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on glider tow ground run, released. Wing hit ground. Glider ground looped.

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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