It’s Not Common To Hear About Electrical Problems On A Glider, But This Problem Could Cause A Real Headache

The FAA is aware of an accident report involving an Alexander Schleicher Model ASW-19 glider. There are indications that the battery and retention bracket had separated from the battery retention tray and may have struck the pilot.

The battery in the Model ASW-19 glider is mounted approximately 6 inches behind and directly in line with the pilot’s head. The battery sits in a shallow metal tray attached to the glider. There is a ‘U’-shaped metal retention bracket that fits over the battery and secures to the tray by means of a mating flange on the right-hand side and by a long thumb screw threading into a steel block on the left-hand side. If installed properly, testing by the manufacturer shows that the battery installation meets the applicable certification requirements.

The FAA is also aware of a report indicating that pilots may not be properly securing the battery when installing it in the retention tray.

A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is being issued to advise pilots and owners of an airworthiness concern on Alexander Schleicher Model ASW-19 gliders. The SIAB recommends that operators assure that the glider battery has been properly installed and secured before each flight. All manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.

At this time, this airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

FMI: SAIB