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NTSB Report

June 3, 2004 · Let Blanik L-13 · N99860

Durango, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 3, 2004
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Durango, CO
Aircraft
Let Blanik L-13
Tail Number
N99860
Operator
Durango Soaring Club
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN04CA085

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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.

Full Narrative

On June 3, 2004, at 1555 mountain daylight time, a LET Blanik L-13, N99860, operated by Durango Soaring Club, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a landing at Val-Air Airport (CD82), Durango, Colorado. The commercial pilot was seriously injured and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan had been filed for the local scenic flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight had departed at 1518. According to the passenger's statement, the flight was uneventful. 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 elected to maneuver back to the field. During the turn back to the runway, the right wing impacted the ground and the airplane cartwheeled. A post-accident examination revealed that the outboard portion of the right wing was bent up approximately 15 degrees, the fuselage nose was fractured, and the empennage bent.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:55 MDT
Nearest AirportVal - Air (1nm S)
Runway35
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width135 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLet Blanik L-13
Tail NumberN99860
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDurango Soaring Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data