Probable cause
The pilot's failure to stow the speed brake prior to attempting takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that following a landing and back-taxi in a motor glider, he failed to stow the speed brake prior to attempting a subsequent takeoff. During the takeoff attempt, the glider would not climb out of ground effect. The motor glider departed the end of the runway and impacted terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA337 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 16, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frankenmuth, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Wm 'Tiny' Zehnder Field (66G)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Evektor Aerotechnik L13
- N-number
- N334BA
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1994
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.