# NTSB LAX91LA229: Glaser-Dirks DG-500M, N503V, Minden, NV, May 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 24, 1991, 17:46 local (May 25, 1991, 00:46 UTC)
- Place: Minden, NV
- Coordinates: 39.009777, -119.7499 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0098&lon=-119.7499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27220
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27220/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA229

## Probable cause

AN ENGINE FAILURE PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THE PILOT IMPROPERLY ADJUSTING THE CARBURETOR MIXTURE JET.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - single engine aircraft
  - fuel system,carburetor - assembly (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - engine assembly,piston - melted (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED COMMERCIAL PILOT AND A PASSENGER WERE DEPARTING IN A MOTORIZED GLIDER ON THE THIRD FLIGHT OF THE DAY FOR A PERSONAL FLIGHT IN THE LOCAL AREA. THE GLIDER'S ENGINE IS A MODIFIED SNOW MOBILE DESIGN AND IS STOWABLE. AT ABOUT 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT MANEUVERED THE GLIDER TOWARD AN EMERGENCY LANDING AREA. DURING THE LANDING, THE EMPENNAGE STRUCK THE EDGE OF A DITCH, SEVERING THE TAIL ASSEMBLY. THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. AFTER THE FIRST FLIGHT, THE PILOT ADJUSTED THE ENGINE CARBURETOR MAIN AND IDLE JETS TO A LEAN FUEL/AIR MIXTURE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A HOLE IN THE TOP OF ONE OF THE CYLINDER PISTONS. THE CARBURETOR MIXTURE IS SET AT THE FACTORY AND IS ONLY TO BE ADJUSTED BY TRAINED PERSONNEL OR AN AVIATION MECHANIC.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N503V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N503V), registered now, S/N 5E24 M12, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GLASER-DIRKS DG-500M
- Registry model: [Glaser-Dirks DG-500M](https://openairdocs.org/model/glaser-dirks-dg-500m) (registry code 3802552) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 5E24M12
- Airframe hours: 12
- Engines: Bombardier 535C 60 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Geddings T. Robinson
- Registered owner: Geddings T. Robinson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000, 12 hours before
- Airport: MEV, Douglas County, runway 3, 5,289 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: expired; flight hours: 2,585 total, 18 in this make and model, 2,527 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °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 19910524017869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910524017869A), May 24, 1991: Glaser DG400, Minden, NV, Substantial damage. Motorized glider lost power on climb. Crash landed. Carburetor adjusted too lean,caused detonation and overheat.

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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