# NTSB LAX86LA197: Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus, N5RM, Benson, AZ, April 28, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1986, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Benson, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.189628, -110.379981 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1896&lon=-110.3800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Emergency descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/600) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25140
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA197
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25140/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA197

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - aircraft handling - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A SCHEMPP-HIRTH STANDARD CIRRUS GLIDER COLLIDED WITH ROCKS ON LANDING ROLL IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS COMPETING IN AN AIR MEET. WHILE ENROUTE HE LOST ALTITUDE AND WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN IT. HE SELECTED AN OPEN FIELD TO LAND IN, BUT DID NOT SEE THE ROCKS UNTIL AFTER THE ON GROUND COLLISION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5RM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5RM-2022-02-05), registration cancelled 2022-02-05, S/N 310G, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHEMPP-HIRTH STANDARD CIRRUS (STANDARD C)
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth STANDARD CIRRUS](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-standard-cirrus) (registry code 38019VE) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: G-310
- Airframe hours: 1057
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ellott Kurzman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 10, 1986, 13 hours before
- Departed: P33, WILLCOX, AZ
- Destination: AZ67, EL TIRO, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,340 total, 281 in this make and model, 1,196 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUX, 42 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 19860428014559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860428014559A), Apr 28, 1986: Sphrth CIRRUSSTD, Benson, AZ, Substantial damage. Glider made precautionary landing after losing lift, collided with rocks.

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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