Airplane stall and ground impact following runway conflict with glider

Casualties unknown • Salida, CO, US

An airplane pilot attempted to avoid a glider on the runway by applying power and lifting off, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and ground impact.

What happened

The pilot intended to perform one final circuit of the traffic pattern before securing the airplane for the day. With winds indicated from the northeast, the pilot departed from runway 6 and executed a crosswind turn at midfield. During this maneuver, the pilot observed a glider release from its tow plane and watched the tow plane land and taxi to its staging area.

The pilot noted that the glider was positioned on downwind at his same location, providing what he believed was sufficient time to land and exit the runway. However, while the pilot was concentrating on the landing, ground personnel directed his attention to a glider that was touching down at the opposite end of the runway.

Because the aircraft was rolling too fast to safely apply brakes, the pilot applied power to lift off, intending to land on a parallel taxiway. During this maneuver, the glider landed and exited the runway at the center intersection. As the pilot attempted to give way to the right, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. The pilot was not injured.

Findings

Airport procedures at the facility specify that takeoffs should occur on runway 06 and landings on runway 24, subject to weather and traffic conditions. Additionally, per FAR 91.113(d)(2), gliders maintain the right-of-way over airships, airplanes, or rotorcraft.

Probable cause

The airplane stalled and struck the ground after the pilot applied power to lift off and avoid a glider on the runway, subsequently maneuvering to the right.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-21 Piper PA-25 accident near Salida, CO?

An airplane pilot attempted to avoid a glider on the runway by applying power and lifting off, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-21 involved a Piper PA-25, registration N6249Z, at Salida, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The airplane stalled and struck the ground after the pilot applied power to lift off and avoid a glider on the runway, subsequently maneuvering to the right.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19496. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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