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NTSB Report
August 2, 1987 · Let L-13 · N78AS
Hempstead, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hempstead, TX
Aircraft
Let L-13
Tail Number
N78AS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW87LA186
ACFT LANDED SHORT OF THRESHOLD FOLLOWING A LOW RELEASE SHORTLY AFTER T/O. RELEASE WAS LOW DUE TO TOW PLANE'S BEING UNABLE TO CLIMB ABOVE 200' AGL DUE TO THE GLIDER'S SPOILERS BEING DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY DURING THE T/O. THE PLT STATED THAT HE EXECUTED A 270 DEG TURN TO RETURN TO THE THRESHOLD INSTEAD OF MAKING A 90 DEG TURN TO THE RWY. PLT WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPOILER DEPLOYMENT DESPITE THE GRND CREW'S ATTEMPTS TO WARN HIM BY RADIO. THE RADIO VOLUME WAS TURNED DOWN.
Full Narrative
ACFT LANDED SHORT OF THRESHOLD FOLLOWING A LOW RELEASE SHORTLY AFTER T/O. RELEASE WAS LOW DUE TO TOW PLANE'S BEING UNABLE TO CLIMB ABOVE 200' AGL DUE TO THE GLIDER'S SPOILERS BEING DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY DURING THE T/O. THE PLT STATED THAT HE EXECUTED A 270 DEG TURN TO RETURN TO THE THRESHOLD INSTEAD OF MAKING A 90 DEG TURN TO THE RWY. PLT WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPOILER DEPLOYMENT DESPITE THE GRND CREW'S ATTEMPTS TO WARN HIM BY RADIO. THE RADIO VOLUME WAS TURNED DOWN.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:46 CDT
Nearest AirportHempstead (1nm NNE)
Runway17
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLet L-13
Tail NumberN78AS
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsNone · NONE · Unknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO