Fatal Glider Crash: Tow Rope Broke or Released Prematurely
A preliminary review of Sunday’s fatal glider crash has revealed the glider was released from its tow plane more than 1900 feet prematurely.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, which was on the scene of the fatal crash early Monday morning, the pilot of the single-engine airplane towing the glider said the tow rope was either disengaged or broke at about 75 feet above the ground.
Gliders are usually towed to a height of 2000 feet before being released.
The low altitude of the glider may have been a significant factor in its ability to remain airborne and under control, several veteran glider pilots told InstantNewsKaty.
The Romanian-made glider, owned by the Greater Houston Soaring Association, crashed into a cotton field between Orchard and Wallis around 4:55 p.m. Sunday evening, killing all three people aboard.
The dead have been identified as pilot Fred Blair, 68, Matilda Blair, 32, and Andrew Blair, 3.
According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Fred Blair was Matilda Blair’s father and Andrew Blair’s grandfather. The three were reportedly on a Father’s Day outing when the crash occurred.
All were pronounced dead at the scene.
Fred Blair was from Wallis, while Matilda Blair and Andrew Blair reportedly lived in Houston.
According to reports, the glider was being towed from the Wallis Gliderport by the single-engine airplane when it “took a nosedive and crashed into the ground.”
The elder Blair was said to have been a veteran glider pilot; however, other glider pilots noted the glider that crashed was designed to carry only two people and having three on board may have also affected its aerodynamic ability.
The gilder was operating from the Wallis Gliderport, located along Hwy. 36 near Cougar Road not far from the crash site.
The crashed aircraft remains at the scene as investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board inspected the crash site. The Federal Aviation Administration is also expected to send investigators.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and conducted the initial investigation and recovery of victims.
Aviation Accidents
A plane crash is one of the most devastating accidents that can occur. Usually in an airplane crash (small planes, helicopters, commercial airliners, hot air balloons etc.) all passengers and crew members are killed.
At the Law Offices of Gary A. Kessler, we are experienced in aviation law with a reputation of success in aircraft accident cases. We have the knowledge and experience to identify those responsible in the airplane crash (i.e. pilot error, mechanical failure of the aircraft and/or its component parts).
If you are considering filing a claim against an airline or helicopter tour company, small aircraft company, commercial airline or a “hot air balloon company” to recover damages suffered by you or your family, seek advice from a lawyer such as Gary A Kessler who has experience in “aviation law.”
In cases involving commercial airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be involved. Our office knows how to professionally interact with these federal agencies and get the answers to our client’s case.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by an air crash, surviving family members can file a wrongful death/aviation lawsuit against the responsible parties. In order to file a wrongful death/aviation law claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of a relative, family member or spouse.
In cases involving commercial airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be involved. Our office knows how to professionally interact with these federal agencies and get the answers to our client’s case.
In most states, if the death of a relative or spouse was caused by an air crash, surviving family members can file a wrongful death/aviation lawsuit against the responsible parties. In order to file a wrongful death/aviation law claim, you must be able to prove that you will experience future emotional and financial hardship because of the loss of a relative, family member or spouse.
