Let BLANIK L-13 N65378

Summary

On 4 July 1997 at about 23:30 local time, a Let BLANIK L-13 registered N65378 was involved in an accident near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 July 1997 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Pagosa Springs, Colorado, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Let BLANIK L-13

Registration

N65378

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW97LA256

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper inflight planning in that he allowed the glider to descend to too low an altitude and stray too far from the airport, exceeding the aircraft's glide capabilities. A factor was his failure to utilize maximum braking action.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While searching for thermals 5 miles east of the airport, the pilot realized he had insufficient altitude to glide back to the airport. He elected to land in a school soccer field. During the approach, the pilot noticed a 5-foot high hill in the middle of the field. He decided to land on the other side of the hill. After touching down, the pilot applied 'moderate braking.' The aircraft went off the field and collided with an embankment next to a road.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.