# NTSB MKC89LA001: Schweizer TG3A, N73483, Yoder, KS, October 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1988, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Yoder, KS
- Location: 37.9455° N, 97.8681° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Yoder, KS, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9455&lon=-97.8681&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 June 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34706
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34706/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA001

## Probable cause

AN ABRUPT MANEUVER RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN AND SUBSEQUENT AIRCRAFT CONTROL NOT BEING MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - sheared (cause)
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command
- Loss of control - on ground/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE BEING TOWED TO ALTITUDE, THE STUDENT PILOT SAID THAT THE TOW ROPE BROKE AT ABOUT 200 TO 300 FEET AGL. HE EXECUTED A TURN FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING, AND DURING THE TURN, STALLED THE ACFT. THE GLIDER DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED COLLIDING WITH TREES, THEN THE TERRAIN. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE TOW ROPE HAD BROKEN NEAR THE GLIDER TOW HOOK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73483](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73483-1989-09-13), registration cancelled 1989-09-13, S/N 55 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER TG3A
- Registry model: [Schweizer TG3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-tg3a) (registry code 8050902) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 51
- Airframe hours: 1388
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wichita Soaring Assoc. Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 18, 1988, 20 hours before
- Departed: KS76, YODER, KS
- Airport: KS76, Sunflower, runway 35, 7,000 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; student; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 76 total, 7 in this make and model, 58 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HUT, 10 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 19881002042789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881002042789A), Oct 2, 1988: Scwzer TG3A, Hutchinson, KS, Substantial damage. Tow rope broke during a tow at 200 to 300 feet. Student stalled glider in a turn to an open field. Struck trees.

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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