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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 9, 2008 · Let Blanik L-13 · N62345

Bend, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Bend, OR
Aircraft
Let Blanik L-13
Tail Number
N62345
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08CA262

The pilot of the glider reported that he was taking a new glider club member for an introductory flight. He stated that the flight was "normal with good lift," and he was never more than 3 miles from the airport. On final approach about 3/4 miles from the runway threshold, the pilot felt the glider sink and noted that he was becoming too low to reach the runway. The terrain off the end of the runway was covered with juniper trees and sagebrush. He turned left to land off airport in the "only open spot." The left wing struck a tree, and the right wingtip then struck the ground. The right wing and the fuselage sustained structural damage. The pilot stated that from an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level this glider "should be able to fly 3 miles, I lost 800 feet in less than 1/2 mile."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude which resulted in an undershoot while on final approach to land. Factors contributing to the accident were the lack of thermal lift (sinking air), and the lack of suitable terrain for the off-airport landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the glider reported that he was taking a new glider club member for an introductory flight. He stated that the flight was "normal with good lift," and he was never more than 3 miles from the airport. He entered the traffic pattern for landing on runway 16. On final approach about 3/4 miles from the runway threshold, the pilot felt the glider sink and noted that he was becoming too low to reach the runway. The terrain off the end of the runway was covered with juniper trees and sagebrush. He turned left to land off airport in the "only open spot." The left wing struck a tree, and the right wing tip then struck the ground. The right wing and the fuselage sustained structural damage. The pilot stated that from an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level this glider "should be able to fly 3 miles, I lost 800 feet in less than 1/2 mile."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest AirportBend Municipal (1nm)
Runway16
Runway Length5200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftLet Blanik L-13
Tail NumberN62345
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data