History of Flight
On October 18, 2019, at approximately 1542 eastern daylight time, a Sportine Aviacija LAK-17B motor glider, registration N830DK, was substantially damaged in an accident near Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
A witness, also a glider pilot, reported that the accident pilot departed from 1N7 airport around 0945, part of a group of three glider pilots on an intended cross-country flight to Burnt Cabins, Pennsylvania, and back. The witness stated that the pilots did not fly together but maintained radio contact to share geographical points and thermal locations. Around 1400, the accident pilot radioed that he was at Burnt Cabins and turning back. About 1515, he reported climbing in a weak thermal near Tamaqua, which was the last communication received.
Another witness working outside saw what he described as an airplane about half a mile away heading straight down before disappearing behind trees.
Data from an onboard PowerFLARM collision avoidance system recorded the flight from about 0943 shortly before takeoff. The pilot flew west-southwest along ridgelines to Burnt Cabins, approximately 143 nautical miles straight-line distance from 1N7. He then reversed course and returned north-northeast along a similar route. Throughout the flight, altitudes varied between about 1,200 and 4,000 feet, consistent with using orographic and thermal lift. During the final 15 minutes of flight, about 50 nautical miles from 1N7, the glider's altitude gradually decreased from about 2,300 to 1,400 feet while completing several 360° turns, likely attempting to climb in a thermal. The pilot then turned north-northwest along a ridge and circled several times. The final data points showed a left 180° turn followed by a right 360° turn before the recording stopped at about 1538 near the accident site. Speed, bank angle, and pitch attitude were not recorded.
Personnel Information
The pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and glider. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on October 4, 2010, at which time he reported 300 total flight hours. His logbooks were not recovered.
Aircraft Information
The single-seat motorized glider received an FAA airworthiness certificate in the experimental-exhibition category on June 8, 2015. It was equipped with a Front Electric Sustainer (FES) system powered by two lithium battery packs, with a maximum usage distance of about 62 miles. Whether or to what extent the pilot used the FES during the accident flight could not be determined. The maintenance logbooks were not recovered.
Meteorological Information
Weather recorded at 1539 at Jake Arner Memorial Airport (22N), Lehighton, Pennsylvania, 8 miles southeast of the accident site, included wind from 280° at 9 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 14°C, dew point 2°C, and altimeter 29.93 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The glider came to rest inverted on the side of a ridgeline at about 1,100 feet mean sea level, oriented on a 210° magnetic heading. Tree damage was consistent with a 75° nose-down attitude. Both wings remained attached but showed tree limb impressions along the leading edges. The cockpit, canopy, and nose were crushed. The instrument panel was destroyed. The five-point harness was intact and cut by rescue personnel. The landing gear was retracted. Flaps were retracted and attached. Ailerons were fractured off both wings. The empennage separated from the fuselage, with the rudder and elevator still attached. Flight control continuity was established through broken torque tubes and cables, with fractures consistent with overstress from impact. The electric motor was fractured off its mounts. Propeller blades were destroyed, and the motor would not rotate due to impact damage. The two battery packs remained mounted in the bracket behind the pilot's seat, with fractured battery posts.
Medical and Pathological Information
Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory was negative for drugs and alcohol. An autopsy by the Schuylkill County Coroner's Office listed the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries.