Let BLANIK L-13 N99860

Summary

On 3 June 2004 at about 21:55 local time, a Let BLANIK L-13 registered N99860 was involved in an accident near Durango, Colorado, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 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

3 June 2004 at 21:55

Classification

Accident

Location

Durango, Colorado, United States

Nearest airport

Val - Air (CD82)

Coordinates

37.3378, -107.8519

Aircraft

Let BLANIK L-13

Registration

N99860

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Durango → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN04CA085

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision and his failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain, and the low approach.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

As the flight approached the airport, the pilot told the passenger that "he likes to come in down to the landing strip and then take off again." They flew over the field to observe the winds. They were calm. According to the pilot's statement, he decided to "fly a low approach over the field and turn around and land." During the pull-up from the low approach, the pilot expected to gain at least "300 feet"; however, he only gained 100 feet. At this point, the glider was over the river with trees ahead and he elected to maneuver back to the field. During the turn back to the runway, the right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cart wheeled, causing substantial damage.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.