Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM accident near Paragonah, UT
On June 29, 2009, a Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM (glider) was involved in an accident near Paragonah, UT. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- June 29, 2009
- Place
- Paragonah, UT
- Aircraft
- Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM · Glider
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 37.898°N, 112.777°W
- NTSB ID
- 20090629X83644
Official records · WPR09LA317
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On June 29, 2009 at 1430 mountain daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2CM glider, N68MP, collided with terrain near Paragonah, Utah, approximately 3 miles north of the Parowan Airport. The pilot was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was killed and the glider sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. According to the pilot’s friend, the pilot was participating in a glider competition. The accident flight was normal, and the pilot launched with a group of gliders. General procedures were that the gliders did not release from the towplane until at least 2,000 feet above ground level. The pilot’s friend reported that there was little thermal activity at the time of the tow. On the accident tow, the glider disconnected at approximately 1,800 feet instead of 2,000 feet. The glider then “...entered a phugoid oscillation which increased until the glider pitched nose down and then impacted the ground.” The pilot’s friend stated that the engine of the glider remained stowed throughout the flight. Additionally, the pilot’s friend reported that the pilot was not feeling well the day prior to the accident flight. Several Air Force Academy cadets assisted the pilot in getting the glider airborne. They reported that he was attempting to use his engine for takeoff but it would not start. Two of the cadets noticed that the pilot’s hands were “shaking” while he was attempting to start the engine. The pilot appeared to have been frustrated in his engine
Probable cause
The glider departed controlled flight for undetermined reasons.
More accidents in UT
- Beech A100, Aug 22, 2008
- Swearingen SA-226TC, Jan 15, 1987
- Beech 65-A90, Jan 15, 2001
- Cessna T210L, May 7, 1995
- Gulfstream 690D, May 7, 1986
Browse: Utah · Schempp-Hirth aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
