# NTSB FTW83LA112: Pratt-Read PRG-1, N14Y, Littlefield, TX, February 12, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 12, 1983, 15:59 local (21:59 UTC)
- Place: Littlefield, TX
- Coordinates: 33.909481, -102.33078 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9095&lon=-102.3308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20806
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20806/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA112

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - physical impairment(other organic problem), pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS BEING OPERATED BY A BOY SCOUT EXPLORER POST. THE 15 YEAR-OLD SCOUT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST BOYS TO SOLO THE 40 YEAR-OLD GLIDER. WHILE RETURNING FROM A 50 MIN SOARING FLT, THE GLIDER SPUN TO THE GROUND AFTER ENTERING A STRONG THERMAL. ACCORDING TO THE OPERATOR THE PLT HAD COMPLAINED OF MALAISE ON THE MORNING OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PLT STATED HE BEGAN FEELING HOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N14Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N14Y-2014-09-05), registration cancelled 2014-09-05, S/N 01-42, built 1943 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PRATT-READ PRG-1
- Registry model: [Pratt Read PR-G1](https://openairdocs.org/model/pratt-read-pr-g1) (registry code 7300102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: PRG-01-42
- Airframe hours: 335
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Exploraire
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1982, 60 hours before
- Airport: Q00, Littlefield, runway 19, 4,000 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 15; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 5 total, 5 in this make and model, 1 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 55 °F

## 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 19830212003569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830212003569A), Feb 12, 1983: Pratt PRG1, Littlefield, TX, Substantial damage. Entered a flat spin on final. Impacted level attitude. Pilots weight and insufficient ballast a possible factor.

## Other investigations on N14Y (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 UNK64X2534](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK64X2534), Jun 28, 1964: Patt Read PRG1 (N14Y), Lamesa, TX, substantial damage

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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