History of Flight
On August 6, 2016, at approximately 1533 central daylight time, an experimental PZL Bielsko SZD 55-1 glider, registration N551DR, collided with terrain shortly after departing from Chicago Glider Club Gliderport (IL59) in Channahon, Illinois. The glider was operated by the pilot as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The tow airplane pilot reported a normal takeoff ground run from runway 27, a 2,000-foot grass runway. About 20 feet above ground level, the tow pilot felt increasing drag from the glider and then sensed the glider release. The tow airplane landed uneventfully with the towline still attached. Witnesses observed the glider's right wing drop and contact the ground during takeoff roll after the wing-runner released it. The wings leveled briefly, then the left wing contacted the ground as the glider veered left. The pilot leveled the wings, then pitched up about 30° to 40° while the tow plane was still on the ground. The glider continued climbing in that pitch attitude until the towline released. The glider then leveled, briefly turned right, and entered a left aerodynamic stall/spin at an estimated 100 to 200 feet agl. Data from an LX 7007 Pro Image flight recorder showed the glider reached a maximum altitude of 152 feet agl at 1533:03, with a ground speed of 45.5 mph and climb rate of 1,650 fpm. About 7 seconds later, it impacted terrain descending at 870 fpm.
Personnel Information
The 69-year-old pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land and sea airplanes, gliders, and an instrument rating. His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued November 3, 2015, with a restriction for near vision. He reported 1,810 total flight hours, with an estimated 112 hours in gliders. He purchased the accident glider in April 2016. His logbook showed 5.7 hours in it from May 3–18, 2016, and no further flights until the accident day, though he flew other gliders for 2.1 hours in July. The flight recorder indicated he flew the accident glider for 50 minutes earlier that day.
Aircraft Information
The single-seat glider, serial number 551192039, was manufactured in 1992. Maximum gross weight was 1,102 pounds. The last condition inspection was April 1, 2016, at 930 hours total time. The flight logbook indicated 937.1 hours when sold to the pilot.
Meteorological Information
At 1535, about 2 minutes post-accident, the surface observation at Joliet Regional Airport, 6 miles northeast, reported wind 330° at 6 knots, clear sky, 10 miles visibility, temperature 29°C, dew point 16°C, and altimeter 29.97 inHg.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The glider impacted tall grass about 200 feet south and 1,600 feet from the approach end of runway 27, in a left-wing-low, steep nose-down attitude. The entire aircraft was at the impact point. The left wing remained attached with leading edge crushing. The nose and cockpit were crushed and displaced right. The seatback was displaced; its pre-impact position could not be determined. The pilot's parachute was undeployed. The right wing outboard section separated at the aileron bellcrank. The tail broke aft of the fuselage, with the empennage intact and displaced right. Flight control continuity was confirmed; all breaks were from overstress. Ballast tanks were empty. The towline release was closed; the release lever moved to the release position. The towline remained attached to the tow airplane, undamaged.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy by the Will County Coroner's Office determined the cause of death as multiple injuries. FAA toxicology found no carbon monoxide or ethanol. Cyanide was not tested. Quinine and rosuvastatin were detected, neither impairing.
Tests and Research
The SZD-55-1 Flight Manual lists stall speeds without water ballast as 39.1 mph for straight flight and 46.5 mph for circling at 45° bank. The LX 7007 Pro Image recorder captured data every 4 seconds. Flight track data detailed performance parameters.
Additional Information
The glider flight instructor who trained the pilot in 2002 aided the on-site investigation. He reported the pilot was about 6 ft 1 in tall with a 41-inch sleeve length. He stated the seatback was likely set aft due to the pilot's height and parachute, and that if it fell rearward, it would only move about 2 inches, not restricting flight controls.