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N817V accident description

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Crash location 36.019167°N, 80.509722°W
Nearest city Mocksville, NC
35.898749°N, 80.555338°W
8.7 miles away
Tail number N817V
Accident date 28 May 2012
Aircraft type Pdps PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

According to the pilot, his glider's heading differed about 5 degrees from that of the towplane, when the towplane began its takeoff roll. The pilot used rudder to correct but the glider dragged a wing, and yawed 70 degrees to its right as a result. The glider lifted 3 to 5 feet above the runway, the pilot released the tow, the glider touched down in a sideslip, and the resultant side load on the tail landing gear "buckled the tailboom 90 [degrees]." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider that would have prevented normal operation, and that the accident might have been prevented by ensuring alignment of the glider with the towplane prior to the takeoff roll.

NTSB Probable Cause

The glider pilot's failure to attain and maintain directional control during takeoff.

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