# NTSB FTW89DPA02: Pilatus B4PC11, N8349, Bridgeport, TX, October 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: October 17, 1988, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Bridgeport, TX
- Location: 33.2136° N, 97.7752° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Bridgeport, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2136&lon=-97.7752&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22692
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DPA02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22692/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DPA02

## 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 - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS BEING TOW-LAUNCHED BY AN AUTOMOBILE FROM THE PILOT'S PRIVATE RANCH AIRSTRIP. WHEN THE GLIDER WAS APPROXIMATELY 250 FEET AGL, THE TOW ROPE SEPARATED AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRSTRIP. A DOWNDRAFT MADE THIS IMPOSSIBLE AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO MUSH INTO A TREE LINE, RATHER THAN LAND IN A DEEP GULLY THAT WAS JUST SHORT OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT HAD A LARGE RECENTLY MOWED HAY FIELD DIRECTLY AHEAD BEFORE TURNING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8349](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8349), registered now, S/N 062, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PILATUS B4PC11
- Registry model: [Pilatus B-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/pilatus-b-4) (registry code 7090105) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 062
- Airframe hours: 445
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles C. Sitzes
- Registered owner: Stitzes, Charlie C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 1987, 90 hours before
- Departed: TX37
- Destination: TX37
- Airport: TX37, Flying S Ranch, runway 18, 1,750 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 14,400 total, 52 in this make and model, 12,700 as pilot in command, 144 in the last 90 days, 44 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °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 19881017048329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881017048329A), Oct 17, 1988: Pilats B4PC11A, Bridgeport, TX, Substantial damage. Tow rope separated on auto tow takeoff. Mushed into trees to avoid deep rocky gullies.

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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