L 13 SEH VIVAT N8230S accident near Moses Lake, Washington

Probable cause

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.

NTSB analysis

According to the powered-glider pilot, during takeoff, he noticed a slower-than-usual acceleration but continued the departure. He reported that, "after lift-off, the glider exhibited a poor climb rate although the engine was running smooth." Moments later, the glider stopped climbing and then descended and struck the roof of a building located about 800 ft southwest of the departure end of the runway. The glider came to rest upright after colliding with another structure and was consumed by a postcrash fire.

The pilot recalled that, during the startup sequence, he was "anxious to get back to my home base" and that he had not used the checklist. The pilot reported that he had taken off with the propeller in the cruise setting and the wing spoilers deployed.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA494 for the full record.