Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT accident near Plymouth, Massachusetts, February 23, 2000
On February 23, 2000 at about 7:42 pm local time, a Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT (glider), registered N64RG, was destroyed in an accident near Plymouth, Massachusetts (Plymouth Municipal airport). It was an instructional flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was killed and 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
the flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the flight instructor's improper use of speed brakes and the strong gusty winds with downdrafts.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 23, 2000 · about 7:42 pm local time
- Place
- Plymouth, Massachusetts · Plymouth Municipal
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was killed and 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT L-13 SEH V · all L-13 SEH VIVATs on the register
- Registration
- N64RG · registry record · serial 930429
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Flight
- Instructional flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
Prior to departure, the flight instructor told the pilot who was receiving his biennial flight review that it was windy and 'they should fly conservatively.' The flight instructor and pilot departed, and soared the motor glider 'in strong lift conditions' in the vicinity of the airport in the power-off configuration. Upon returning to the airport, the flight instructor decided to land in the power off configuration. The pilot delayed the turn to base. Upon turning base, the pilot was uncomfortable with the approach and released control of the motor glider to the flight instructor. The flight instructor then turned the motor glider directly toward the airport and 'very heavy sinking air' was encountered. The flight instructor prepared to land short of the asphalt runway on the grass, but was unable to maintain enough lift to clear the trees bordering the airport. The motor glider descended through the trees, sheared off a large section of the right wing, and came to rest on the right side partially inverted. The speed brake handle was found in the fully extended position. The right speed brake was extended, and the left speed brake was found retracted. The landing runway was 24, and the winds were from 220 degrees at 16 gusting to 23 knots. Examination of the motor glider revealed no mechanical deficiencies.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot, private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instructor: glider; rotorcraft: glider
- Flight time: 200 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (expired)
- Seat: rgt
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 789 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, August 30, 1999; 74 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,588 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine: Aerotechnik M/MK II AE (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: PYM MA at 7:00 pm
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 24, 4,350 ft by 75 ft
- A second pilot was aboard
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 220° at 16 knots, gusting 23
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 8,500 ft
- Temperature: 54°F (12°C), dew point 34°F (1°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 7:52 pm from PYM, 1 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.