# NTSB SEA94LA186: Eiriavion PIK20D-78, N686CE, Rexberg, ID, July 19, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1994, 15:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Rexberg, ID
- Coordinates: 43.780147, -111.759109 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7801&lon=-111.7591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 26, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41981
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA186
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41981/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA186

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF. FACTORS INCLUDE A VEHICLE PARKED NEAR THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN UNASSISTED (NO WING-RUNNER) TAKEOFF, THE PILOT ELECTED TO ABORT AFTER THE GLIDER BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER THE ABORT, THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY, AND IMPACTED A NEARBY MAINTENANCE TRUCK.

## Factual narrative

On July 19, 1994, at 1515 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Eiriavion Oy PIK20D-78, N686CE, collided with a truck during an aborted takeoff at Madison County Airport, Rexburg, Idaho. The pilot of the single-place glider was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which was intended to land back at the point of departure, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation.

According to the pilot, he was attempting an unassisted (no wing- runner) towed takeoff, when the glider began drifting to the side of the runway. He therefore elected to release the tow line and abort the takeoff. After initiating the abort, the aircraft began to swerve, and ultimately departed the side of the runway. As it departed the runway, the aircraft impacted a runway light, and came to rest after colliding with a truck being used for airfield electrical maintenance.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N686CE](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N686CE), registered now, S/N 20644, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EIRIAVION OY PIK20D-78
- 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: 20644
- Airframe hours: 240
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Whitesell, Albert L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 6, 1994, 13 hours before
- Airport: U11, Madison County Airport, runway 17, 4,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 152 total, 13 in this make and model, 84 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19940719019369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940719019369A), Jul 19, 1994: Eirvon PIK20D, Rexburg, ID, Substantial damage. Unable to control glider on tow takeoff sans wing runner. Aborted by releasing tow line. Veered. Hit service truck.

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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