On Jan 31, 9:33 am, Phil Collin wrote:
Dan G wrote:
A friend of mine weighs just 110lbs with parachute. With ballast, she
can fly some K13s and a couple of wooden single-seaters which have
particularly low cockpit min weights.

Which GRP single-seaters tend to have low min weights, and how much is
it?

Dan

2 words, Ballast Weights

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Phil Collin
Partner Manager
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I agree and would add - be sure you have the correct weight and
balance information.

For pilots of relatively light weight, this extra care can be
lifesaving.

Example:
NTSB Identification: SEA96FA186 .
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please
contact Records Management Division
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, August 10, 1996 in SHELTON, WA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 1/30/1998
Aircraft: Let L-13, registration: N90865
Injuries: 1 Fatal.
After receiving a glider certification on 7/24/96, the pilot (plt)
logged about 2.1 hrs in a Let L-13 glider, before flying it solo. The
initial solo was the accident flight (flt) on 8/10/96. On this flight,
the plt planned to be towed to traffic pattern altitude, then release
the glider, enter the traffic pattern, & land. Release occurred about
3 mi southwest of the airport at 1,850 ft. Airport elevation was 269
ft. Witnesses said the L-13 entered a right spin about 5 to 10 sec
after release & continued spinning until ground impact. To keep the
center-of-gravity (CG) from exceeding the aft limit, a placard had
been installed in the cockpit, indicating the minimum front seat solo
weight to be 150 lbs. The L-13's operating manual contained this &
other info based on the L-13's original weight & balance (W/B)
configuration. The plt weighed between 128 & 135 lbs, & a single 25 lb
ballast bag was found in the wreckage. However, after repainting &
modification with a non-standard tailwheel, the glider's revised W/B
data indicated the current minimum front seat solo weight was 181 lbs.
Based on this info (kept in the operator's maintenance shop), the
glider's C.G. was computed to be 1.4 inches behind the aft limit. The
plt's personal copy of the L-13 operating manual did not contain the
revised W/B data. Copies of the glider's operating manual were being
sold to renters without this info.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable
cause(s) of this accident as follows:
failure of the operator to provide its pilots with information
essential for an accurate determination of the glider's weight and
balance, the resultant operation of the glider with a center-or-
gravity that exceeded the aft limit, and the pilot's inadvertent entry
into a stall/spin. Factors relating to the accident we an incorrect
placard concerning the glider's minimum front seat solo weight
limitation, and the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model
of aircraft.