# NTSB NYC86FHM03: Schempp-Hirth Ventus A, N7XT, Middletown, NY, August 24, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1986, 14:05 local (18:05 UTC)
- Place: Middletown, NY
- Coordinates: 41.440082, -74.420303 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4401&lon=-74.4203&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30222
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86FHM03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30222/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FHM03

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - light condition - daylight
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

THE SAILPLANE WAS BEING TOWED INTO THE AIR. IT WAS OBSERVED TO COME OFF THE GROUND IN A TAIL LOW ATTITUDE AND THEN START PORPOSING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS RELEASED FROM THE TOW PLANE AND IMPACTED. THE PILOT WAS FATALLY INJURED AND THE AIRCRAFT DESTROYED. NO EVIDENCE OF A PRE-EXISTING FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS NOTED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS CARRYING BOTH WATER AND LEAD SHOT FOR BALLAST, HOWEVER THE BREAKUP OF THE AIRCRAFT ON IMPACT PREVENTED A DETERMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT WEIGHT AND BALANCE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PLTS FLT TIME WAS NOT REPORTED OR AVAILABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7XT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7XT-1988-08-10), registration cancelled 1988-08-10, S/N 84 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schempp-Hirth VENTUS A
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth K G VENTUS A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-k-g-ventus-a) (registry code 3802050) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 84
- Airframe hours: 700
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert L. Robertson
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1986
- Departed: 06N, MIDDLETOWN, NY
- Airport: 06N, Randall

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 15 knots, gusting 32
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19860824041809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860824041809A), Aug 24, 1986: Sphrth VENTUSA, Middletown, NY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Glider began porpoising on tow. Released and crashed. Unable find cause except pilot lacked skill in type.

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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