Production Company Had Helo Overhead Filming At Time Of Accident

The NTSB is investigating a fatal accident involving a DG-1000 sailplane which hit trees on takeoff from Cle Elum Airport in central Washington state about 1600 PDT on Thursday. The aircraft, N7760A, was reportedly being filmed for use in a Cadillac commercial. The pilot was the only person onboard, and there were no injuries reported on the ground.

The pilot and owner has been identified by the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office as 53-year-old William Weller of Tukwila. The FAA preliminary report indicates the plane hit trees. NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator Dennis Hogenson told Seattle's KCPQ-TV witnesses reported that "shortly after liftoff the glider pitched up, momentarily leveled off, then started a turn to the right. The turn progressively got steeper, the nose of the glider pitched down, the airplane subsequently impacted terrain."

The DG-1000 (pictured in manufacturer's photo) is a German-built, 18-meter class, two-seat glider which can be equipped with a retractable, 30-HP engine. The Seattle Times reports the accident aircraft was being towed for launch. One area resident reported the plane had been flying for about an hour before the takeoff which resulted in the crash.

The commercial production company, Supply & Demand Integrated of Los Angeles, California, reportedly was filming from a helicopter overhead at the time of the accident.

FMI: www.faa.gov/data_research/accident_incident/preliminary_data/media/B_1014_N.txt