# NTSB FTW95LA325: Rolladen-Schneider LS-3-17, N48EH, Sandia Park, NM, July 31, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1995, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Sandia Park, NM
- Coordinates: 35.249786, -106.290588 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2498&lon=-106.2906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19521
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA325
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19521/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA325

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER EVALUATION OF THE DEVELOPING THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY. FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - weather condition - thunderstorm (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - other

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER BEING TOWED ALOFT, THUNDERSTORMS MOVED INTO THE AREA AND PREVENTED THE PILOT FROM RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT. HE ELECTED TO LAND IN A FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A CACTUS, SHEARING OFF THE LEFT WING AND CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUNDLOOP.

## Factual narrative

On July 31, 1995, approximately 1500 mountain daylight time, a Rolladen-Schneider OHG LS-3-17, N48EH, was substantially damaged during an off-airport landing near Moriarty, New Mexico.  The private pilot was not injured.  The personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, originated at Moriarty, New Mexico, on July 31, 1995, approximately 1400.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

The following is based on the pilot/operator report.  The pilot departed the Moriarty Airport via aero tow and shortly thereafter, thunderstorms moved into the area.  He flew in a northerly direction to avoid the weather and he noted the sky was becoming overcast, whereas before there had been cumulus clouds.  He sighted a field and elected to land.  During the landing, the aircraft collided with a cactus, shearing off the left wing.  The aircraft groundlooped and incurred additional damage to the fuselage and landing gear.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N48EH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N48EH), registered now, S/N 3421 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rolladen-Schneider LS-3-17
- Registry model: [Rolladen Schneider OHG LS-3-17](https://openairdocs.org/model/rolladen-schneider-ohg-ls-3-17) (registry code 3801217) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 3421
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Benjamin F. Barrentine
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 0E0

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 551 total, 424 in this make and model, 76 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 91 °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 19950731020829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950731020829A), Jul 31, 1995: Rolsch LS3, Sandia Park, NM, Substantial damage. After tow plane disconnect. Thunderstorms appeared. Turned away. Lost lift due overcast. Struck cactus landing.

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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