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NTSB Report
August 4, 1991 · Let L-13 · N53AS
Byron, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Byron, CA
Aircraft
Let L-13
Tail Number
N53AS
Operator
Ames Soaring Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA349
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS RETURNING TO THE GLIDER PORT AFTER A LOCAL SOARING FLIGHT DUE TO A LACK OF LIFT. DURING THE FLIGHT BACK TO THE AIRPORT THE PILOT BECAME AWARE THAT THE RATE OF DESCENT WAS TOO HIGH AND THE GLIDER WOULD NOT MAKE THE AIRPORT RUNWAY. THE PILOT SET UP TO LAND IN A VACANT FIELD COVERED WITH MEDIUM HEIGHT GRASS. THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT IN THE FIELD. THE DITCH WAS NOT VISIBLE TO THE PILOT UNTIL THE LATTER STAGES OF THE LANDING ROLL OUT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE ON GROUND COLLISION WITH A HIDDEN DITCH NOT VISIBLE TO THE PILOT DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT PHASE OF A FORCED LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE WAS RETURNING TO THE GLIDER PORT AFTER A LOCAL SOARING FLIGHT DUE TO A LACK OF LIFT. DURING THE FLIGHT BACK TO THE AIRPORT THE PILOT BECAME AWARE THAT THE RATE OF DESCENT WAS TOO HIGH AND THE GLIDER WOULD NOT MAKE THE AIRPORT RUNWAY. THE PILOT SET UP TO LAND IN A VACANT FIELD COVERED WITH MEDIUM HEIGHT GRASS. THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH A DITCH DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT IN THE FIELD. THE DITCH WAS NOT VISIBLE TO THE PILOT UNTIL THE LATTER STAGES OF THE LANDING ROLL OUT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLet L-13
Tail NumberN53AS
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAmes Soaring Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO