# NTSB SEA86LA114: Eiriavion PIK 20-D, N6VS, Minden, NV, April 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1986, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Minden, NV
- Coordinates: 39.01028, -119.750587 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0103&lon=-119.7506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA114

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE COCKPIT CANOPY OPENED DURING TAKEOFF ROLL. THE GLIDER BECAME AIRBORNE AND CLIMBED TO AN ALT OF APRX 10 FT AGL BEFORE DESCENDING TO GROUND IMPACT IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6VS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6VS), registered now, S/N 20609, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Eiriavion Oy PIK 20-D
- Registry model: [Eiriavion PIK 20D](https://openairdocs.org/model/eiriavion-pik-20d) (registry code 5760206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 20609
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Thornequist, doing business as Soar Minden
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1985
- Airport: MEV, Douglas County Airport, runway 30, 5,300 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 164 total, 2 in this make and model, 98 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19860427042939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860427042939A), Apr 27, 1986: Eirvon PIK20D, Minden, NV, Substantial damage. During takeoff, the canopy blew open. Cut away from the towplane at 10 feet AGL. Glider then nosed into the runway.

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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