# NTSB LAX86LA144: Centrair Schleicher ASW-20, N49946, Phoenix, AZ, March 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 18, 1986, 13:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.63071, -112.089958 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6307&lon=-112.0900&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): 25095
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25095/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA144

## 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
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF BECAUSE THE ACFT WAS VEERING OFF THE RWY. AFTER RELEASE FROM THE TOW PLANE THE ACFT WING TIP STRUCK A BUSH CAUSING THE AFCT TO GROUND LOOP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE FROM 200 DEG AT 5 KTS GUSTING TO 10 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N49946](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N49946), registered now, S/N 20121, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CENTRAIR SCHLEICHER ASW-20 (SCHLEICHER)
- Registry model: [Schleicher ASW-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/schleicher-asw-20) (registry code 3801506) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 20121
- Engines: unknown UNK unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arnold F. Jurn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: APT, PHOENIX, AZ
- Airport: 10, Turf Airport, runway 25, 4,000 × 105 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 505 total, 130 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SDL, 20 nm away

## 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 19860318006979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860318006979A), Mar 18, 1986: Schler ASW20, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Release from tow after glider veered during takeoff roll. Wingtip struck a bush and glider ground looped.

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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