# NTSB LAX91LA231: Schleicher ASW-20, N31AP, Julian, CA, April 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 6, 1991, 16:00 local (Apr 7, 1991, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Julian, CA
- Coordinates: 33.019805, -116.489242 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0198&lon=-116.4892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27222
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27222/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA231

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HIS EXPERIMENTAL GLIDER DURING TAKEOFF.  A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S ENCOUNTER WITH GUSTY WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A 10 TO 15 KNOT GUST OF WIND DURING THE GROUND ROLL PORTION OF HIS TAKEOFF BEHIND A TOW PLANE.  THE PILOT INDICATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO PREVENT HIS GLIDER FROM VEERING OFF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDING WITH BUSHES ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31AP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31AP-2017-07-18), registration cancelled 2017-07-18, S/N 20369, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHLEICHER ASW-20
- 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: 20369
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald G. Rutiz
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: CL35, WARNER SPRINGS, CA
- Airport: 25L, Cordell Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; flight hours: 85 total, 25 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19910406023219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910406023219A), Apr 6, 1991: Schler ASW20, Julian, CA, Substantial damage. On glider tow wind blew glider to edge of runway. Wing caught bushes. Tow rope broke. Glider towplane left runway.

## Other investigations on N31AP (2)

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.

- [NTSB LAX05LA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA224), Jul 3, 2005: Schleicher ASW-20 (N31AP), Big Pine, CA, destroyed, 1 fatal. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude and his decision to turn toward higher terrain.
- [NTSB LAX03LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA114), Mar 16, 2003: Schleicher ASW-20 (N31AP), San Diego, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's use of an inadequate climb attitude during takeoff resulting in the proper climb rate not being established.

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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