# NTSB LAX84LA412: Molino PIK 20E, N705W, Fremont, CA, June 3, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 3, 1984, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Fremont, CA
- Coordinates: 37.560741, -121.979751 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5607&lon=-121.9798&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): 24352
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA412
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24352/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA412

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT DURING TAKEOFF, THE MOTORIZED GLIDER HAD JUST LIFTED OFF WHEN THE RIGHT WING DROPPED & HIT TALL WEEDS NEXT TO THE 20 FT WIDE PAVED RWY. THE WEEDS WERE ABOUT 2 1/2 FT TALL. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GLIDER 'GROUND LOOPED' TO THE RIGHT & THE FUSELAGE FAILED. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ARPT WAS NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY FOR ACFT WITH LOW WINGS THAT MAY HAVE TO BE LOWERED TO CORRECT FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N705W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N705W), registered now, S/N 702 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOLINO OY PIK 20E
- Registry model: [Siren PIK 20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/siren-pik-20e) (registry code 8270308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 702
- Airframe hours: 274
- Engines: ROTAX 505 43 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ken Ferguson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 28, 1984, 75 hours before
- Airport: 8Q7, Sky Sailing, runway 28, 1,840 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 450 total, 200 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19840603060329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840603060329A), Jun 3, 1984: Eirvon PIK20, Fremont, CA, Destroyed. Glider pilot lowered wing to maintain direction and it caught in high vegatation causing ground loop to right.

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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