Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the glider after the tow cable separated prematurely due to an incomplete engagement of the cable in the control tow release system due to a missing spring.
NTSB analysis
The glider was being towed, and just after takeoff, at 100 ft above ground level, the glider separated prematurely from the tow cable. Shortly thereafter, the glider impacted the ground. Examination of the accident site revealed that the glider struck terrain east of the runway at a high-impact angle consistent with a loss of control. Due to the low altitude at which the separation occurred, the glider pilot had limited time and opportunity to successfully land the glider off airport.
Postaccident examination of the glider's release system revealed that it was missing a spring, which likely resulted in the cable not engaging in the detent and caused the premature release from the tow line. Further examination of the glider did not reveal any additional evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14FA181 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Aguila, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Sampley'S (28AZ)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aero Tek Inc. ZUNI
- N-number
- N22DA
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.