# NTSB FTW85LA217: Champion 7KCAB, N5285X, Chattanooga, OK, May 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1985, 15:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Chattanooga, OK
- Coordinates: 34.420177, -98.649253 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4202&lon=-98.6493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21746
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA217
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21746/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA217

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - erratic (cause)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot of other aircraft (cause)
  - descent - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS TOW LAUNCHING A GLIDER. WHEN ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND FOR UNKNOWN REASONS THE GLIDER SUDDENLY GAINED UNWANTED ALTITUDE AND CLIMBED ABOVE THE TOW PLANE. THIS PITCHED THE NOSE OF THE TOW PLANE DOWNWARD BEFORE THE TOW LINE COULD BE RELEASED. RELEASE WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY BOTH PILOTS, HOWEVER, THE TOW PLANE WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER AND GROUND IMPACT OCCURRED AT ABOUT A 45 DEGREE NOSE DOWN ALTITUDE WITH THE LEFT WING LOW. THE GLIDER PILOT CIRCLED BACK TO THE RUNWAY AND MADE A SUCCESSFUL LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5285X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5285X-2013-04-08), registration cancelled 2013-04-08, S/N 219, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7KCAB
- Registry model: [Champion 7KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7kcab) (registry code 21101P3) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 219
- Airframe hours: 1724
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Lawton Flying Club
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 19, 1985, 10 hours before
- Airport: 92F, Sky Harbor

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; airline transport, commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 6,182 total, 77 in this make and model, 95 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 14 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850511016589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850511016589A), May 11, 1985: Bbavia 7KCAB, Chattanooga, OK, Substantial damage. Unable to regain control after glider in tow climbed above tow plane on takeoff in gusty winds.

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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