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NTSB Report
September 16, 1989 · Let L-13 · N3458
Buena Vista, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 16, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Buena Vista, CO
Aircraft
Let L-13
Tail Number
N3458
Operator
Chuck Gibbs
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN89LA210
THE PLT WAS GIVING A PASSENGER A GLIDER RIDE. THE FLT WAS LAUNCHED FROM A 9000 FT RWY (RWY 15) WITH AN AUTO TOW IN WIND THAT WAS FROM 300 DEG AT 4 KTS. A WITNESS RPRTD THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF SEEMED NORMAL UNTIL THE PLT RELEASED THE GLIDER AT ABOUT 300 FT AGL. THE PLT THEN BEGAN A LEVEL LEFT TURN WITH INCREASING BANK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GLIDER PITCHED DOWN & CRASHED AFTER COMPLETING ABOUT 300 DEG OF TURN. IMPACT OCCURRED ON AN INCLINED BANK AS THE GLIDER WAS IN AN EXTREME NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.
NTSB Probable Cause
A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE GLIDER TOW LINE BY THE GLIDER PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS GIVING A PASSENGER A GLIDER RIDE. THE FLT WAS LAUNCHED FROM A 9000 FT RWY (RWY 15) WITH AN AUTO TOW IN WIND THAT WAS FROM 300 DEG AT 4 KTS. A WITNESS RPRTD THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF SEEMED NORMAL UNTIL THE PLT RELEASED THE GLIDER AT ABOUT 300 FT AGL. THE PLT THEN BEGAN A LEVEL LEFT TURN WITH INCREASING BANK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GLIDER PITCHED DOWN & CRASHED AFTER COMPLETING ABOUT 300 DEG OF TURN. IMPACT OCCURRED ON AN INCLINED BANK AS THE GLIDER WAS IN AN EXTREME NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 MDT
Nearest AirportBuena Vista (0nm N)
Runway15
Runway Length9000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLet L-13
Tail NumberN3458
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChuck Gibbs
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 4 kt, gusting 6 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT