Bucker-Jungmann Aero Z-131 accident near Rupert, GA
On June 24, 2001, a Bucker-Jungmann Aero Z-131 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Rupert, GA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 24, 2001
- Place
- Rupert, GA
- Aircraft
- Bucker-Jungmann Aero Z-131 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 32.419°N, 84.280°W
- NTSB ID
- 20010628X01282
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 24, 2001, about 1605 eastern daylight time, an experimental Bucker-Jungmann Aero Z-131, N4842, registered to and operated by Air South, Inc., collided with trees then the ground during an aerial tow flight near Rupert, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 glider tow flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant was fatally injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot of the glider being towed, the accident pilot preflighted the accident airplane which the accident pilot reported to him had 1/4 to 1/3 fuel. The wind was from the west-northwest at 5-10 miles per hour (mph) the flight was using the westerly runway. The glider pilot stated, "we lifted off and David accelerated us to about 90 mph in ground effect. While still in ground effect, I saw David drift over to the left side of the runway and hit the top of a small scrub oak that was about 15ft high and 1000 ft before the end of the runway." The glider pilot also reported that the accident pilot set up a normal climb attitude and about 70 mph to about 250 feet above ground level (agl), and at that point, "...we encountered heavy sink/downdraft, with some turbulence which suddenly dropped us about 100ft. Noting this condition, I released the tow rope from the glider and terminated the tow. At this time, I heard the Bucker's engine running and it sounded strong. I then turned right and David continued to drift and turn slightly le
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall.
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Browse: Georgia
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
