# NTSB LAX87DJA04: Glaser-Dirks DG-400, N104MN, Dillingham, HI, February 2, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1987, 14:30 local (Feb 2, 1987, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Dillingham, HI
- Coordinates: 21.570112, -158.119934 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.5701&lon=-158.1199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25290
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DJA04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25290/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DJA04

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING OVER A RIDGE AT A 'GOOD RATE OF AIRSPEED'. IT TURNED BACK TOWARDS THE RIDGE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WAS A SIGMET IN EFFECT FOR MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULENCE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS/FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N104MN (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: GLASER-DIRKS DG-400
- Category: Glider
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael A. Newton
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 15 knots
- 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 19870201002119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870201002119A), Feb 1, 1987: Amtr DG400, Dillingham, HI, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The glider impacted a ridge during a turn at low altitude. Reason for maneuver undetermined.

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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