# NTSB NYC87LA142: Pik 20, Julian, PA, May 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1987, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Julian, PA
- Coordinates: 40.90977, -77.930198 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9098&lon=-77.9302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30643
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30643/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA142

## 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 - overload
  - flight control,elevator attachment - disconnected (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS ASSEMBLED AND ALL CONTROLS CHECKED FOR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. DURING INITIAL TAKEOFF AND CLIMB, WHILE IN TOW, THE ACFT PITCHED NOSE UP ABRUPTLY BREAKING THE TOW ROPE. THE ACFT WAS THEN OBSERVED TO TURN RIGHT AND NOSE DOWN INTO THE GROUND. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THAT THE PUSH/PULL CONTROL ROD WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE ELEVATOR BALL JOINT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: CGPIK (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIK 20
- Category: Glider
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kurk Kovac
- Registered owner: Kurk Kovac

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; flight hours: 2,100 total, 1,123 in this make and model, 2,060 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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