# NTSB FTW83LA314: I.C.A. Brasov IS-2902, N4999K, Katy, TX, June 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1983, 12:35 local (17:35 UTC)
- Place: Katy, TX
- Coordinates: 29.749588, -95.739074 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7496&lon=-95.7391&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20959
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA314
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20959/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA314

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER THE TOW ROPE DISCONNECTED SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. THE PLT WAS NOT ABLE TO AVOID THE DITCH DURING LANDING DUE TO A STRONG SINK RATE. THE TOW HOOK ASSEMBLY WAS EXAMINED AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND NO DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND. THIS DEVICE REQUIRES A VERY CLOSE VISUAL INSPECTION TO INSURE IT IS OVER CENTER (FULLY ENGAGED) BEFORE BEING USED. EVEN THOUGH NOT FULLY LOCKED IT WILL HOLD FOR A TIME BEFORE INADVERTENT RELEASE OCCURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4999K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4999K-2018-03-26), registration cancelled 2018-03-26, S/N 115 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: I.C.A. Brasov IS-2902
- Registry model: [Ica Brasov IS-29D2](https://openairdocs.org/model/ica-brasov-is-29d2) (registry code 4490106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 115
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Houston Soaring Association
- Registered owner: Karl L. Morgan
- Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1982
- Airport: Harbican, runway 27, 2,700 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 572 total, 8 in this make and model, 456 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19830630028079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830630028079A), Jun 30, 1983: Brasov IS29D2, Katy, TX, Substantial damage. Tow rope released glider at 75 feet during takeoff. Glider crashed when pilot tried 180 degree turn back to runway.

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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