Aero Commander CALLAIR A-9B accident near Marshall, MI
On August 21, 2011, an Aero Commander CALLAIR A-9B (airplane) was involved in an accident near Marshall, MI. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- August 21, 2011
- Place
- Marshall, MI
- Aircraft
- Aero Commander CALLAIR A-9B · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 42.251°N, 84.956°W
- NTSB ID
- 20110822X25954
Official records · CEN11LA585
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 21, 2011, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Aero Commander Callair A-9B airplane, N7638V, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a glider tow operation at Brooks Field Airport (RMY), Marshall, Michigan. The pilot was airlifted from the scene in critical condition and died about 7 hours later of injuries sustained in the accident. The airplane was registered to and operated by the Marshall Soaring Club. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from RMY about 1758. The pilot of the glider being towed by the airplane (towplane) reported that the aerotow takeoff was normal with the exception of some gusty winds. Beginning about 15 seconds into the flight, the glider's airspeed began to repeatedly increase and decrease, with the airspeed oscillations increasing in amplitude as they progressed. During the third or fourth airspeed cycle, he encountered a high intensity thermal. He lost sight of the towplane briefly, relocating it below and slightly to the right of the glider. Tension on the tow rope was high and he elected to release from the tow. At that time the towplane wings were level and it appeared to be stable. He subsequently returned for a landing. A witness stated that the takeoff appeared to be normal, but the towplane and glider encountered some turbulence near the end of the runway. He commented that the glider pilot appeared to be havi
Probable cause
The towplane pilot's loss of control during an aerotow operation due to the glider pilot's inability to maintain a proper position behind the towplane while encountering turbulence on initial climb.
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Browse: Michigan · Aero Commander 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.
