SEA03LA061

The takeoff was normal until two-thirds of the way down the runway, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, the tension on the propeller drive belts slipped resulting in a loss of power. The pilot elected to make a right turn to land on an intersecting runway; however, the pilot's failure to lower the nose resulted in the loss of airspeed and the right wing stalling. The aircraft impacted the ground with its right wing tip, spun around 180 degrees, skidded backwards across a taxiway, and came to rest in sandy soil. The reason for the slippage of the drive belts was not determined.

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On April 12, 2003, approximately 1600 Pacific daylight time, an Avia Stroitel AC-5M powered glider, N125MZ, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power at the Richland Airport (RLD), Richland, Washington. The private pilot, sole occupant and owner of the glider, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported "the takeoff on runway 1 was normal, but approximately two-thirds of the way down the runway, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, I noticed the engine 'over-revving' and the aircraft no longer climbing." The pilot reported that he failed to lower the nose to ensure proper airspeed in order to land straight ahead on runway 1. The pilot further stated that he made the wrong decision and turned right to land on the intersecting runway [runway 7], and during the turn "the airspeed was allowed to deteriorate until the right wing stalled." The airplane's right wing tip impacted the ground causing it to spin around 180 degrees, skidding backwards across a taxiway, and coming to rest in sandy soil.

The pilot reported that the tension on the propeller drive belts was checked during the aircraft preflight. The pilot also stated that the tension on the propeller drive belts "slipped" and caused a loss of thrust after takeoff. The pilot further reported that the reason for the drive belts slipping was not determined.

The pilot reported the glider had sustained damage to the right wing tip and the main gear. The bottom right front of the fuselage was scraped and cracked, the rear portion of the fuselage where it transitions with the vertical stabilizer was cracked approximately half-way through its circumference, and the tail wheel was crushed.

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