Amateur-built Schreder N161HP accident near Ionia, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain control of the glider during the aero-tow launch.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the amateur-built glider was a few feet higher than it should be in relation to the tow airplane after liftoff, so he attempted to lower the glider. He expected the ground effect to slow his descent rate, but the glider continued to descend. He put in aft stick but the wheel contacted the turf at the same time. The glider then bounced and he put in forward stick pressure. The glider hit the runway hard and the pilot released the tow line. The inspection of the aircraft revealed that the glider’s fuselage had separated from the forward section of the glider during the hard landing resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft prior to the occurrence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA577 for the full record.