On 17 Aug 2017, an AEROTECHNIK L 13 SEH VIVAT SEH was involved in an aviation accident near Moses Lake, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper takeoff configuration due to his failure to follow the pretakeoff checklist, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with obstacles. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A powered-glider pilot took off with the propeller in cruise setting and spoilers deployed, leading to poor climb and a collision with a building. The pilot did not use the checklist.
Accident Details
According to the powered-glider pilot, during takeoff he noticed a slower than usual acceleration but continued the departure. After lift-off, the glider exhibited a poor climb rate although the engine was running smoothly. Moments later, the glider stopped climbing, then descended and struck the roof of a building located about 800 feet southwest of the departure end of the runway. The glider came to rest upright after colliding with another structure and was consumed by a post-crash fire.
Pilot Actions
The pilot recalled that during the startup sequence, he was anxious to get back to his home base and that he had not used the checklist. He reported that he had taken off with the propeller in the cruise setting and the wing spoilers deployed.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.