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NTSB Report

August 1, 2009 · Let L13 G · N66FL

Sparta, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 1, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Sparta, NY
Aircraft
Let L13 G
Tail Number
N66FL
Operator
David V Vanderlinden
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA434

The student pilot encountered a thermal lift, and climbed to 3,000 feet. He stated in a statement to law enforcement personnel, "I got myself into a spin that I was not sure how to get out of." He further stated, "Somehow I was able to get myself out of that, and was headed back to the airport. This is where it gets vague to me. I think I started into another spin." Another glider pilot who departed 10 to 15 minutes before the student pilot stated he observed the glider about a 1,000 feet or less below him spinning to the left. He made a 360 degree turn looking for the glider and could not see it and figured the pilot recovered from the spin and flew away. Examination of the glider by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the glider collided with the ground in a nose down left wing attitude. The forward cabin area received structural damage, the left wing was pushed aft and the right wing was accelerated forward. The flaps on both wings were extended. The Pilot's Notes for the L-13 Sailplane states, the glider will stall at 30 knots with the flaps extended. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or flight controls.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot encountered a thermal lift, and climbed to 3,000 feet. He stated in a statement to law enforcement personnel, "I got myself into a spin that I was not sure how to get out of." He further stated, "Somehow I was able to get myself out of that, and was headed back to the airport. This is where it gets vague to me. I think I started into another spin." Another glider pilot who departed 10 to 15 minutes before the student pilot stated he observed the glider about a 1,000 feet or less below him spinning to the left. He made a 360 degree turn looking for the glider and could not see it and figured the pilot recovered from the spin and flew away. Examination of the glider by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the glider collided with the ground in a nose down left wing attitude. The forward cabin area received structural damage, the left wing was pushed aft and the right wing was accelerated forward. The flaps on both wings were extended. The Pilot's Notes for the L-13 Sailplane states, the glider will stall at 30 knots with the flaps extended. No anomalies were noted with the airframe or flight controls.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLet L13 G
Tail NumberN66FL
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid V Vanderlinden
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time19:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data