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NTSB Report
June 28, 2012 · Let L-23 Super Blanik · N273BA
Benton, TN
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 28, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Benton, TN
Aircraft
Let L-23 Super Blanik
Tail Number
N273BA
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA454
The pilot was landing the glider at the conclusion of her third solo flight. She stated that on the base leg of the traffic pattern, the glider was lower and farther away from the runway than she intended. She "set" the wing airbrakes, turned onto the final leg of the traffic pattern, and the glider began to sink. The glider subsequently impacted the ground short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar and rear cockpit bulkhead. A postaccident examination of the glider revealed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airbrakes were found fully deployed after the accident, and the pilot reported that she actually extended the airbrakes when she meant to stow them.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadvertent extension of the wing airbrakes, which resulted in a loss of lift and subsequent landing prior to the runway.
Full Narrative
The pilot was landing the glider at the conclusion of her third solo flight. She stated that on the base leg of the airport traffic pattern, the glider was “lower and further away” from the runway than she intended. She "set" the airbrakes, turned onto the final leg of the traffic pattern, and the glider began to sink. The glider subsequently impacted terrain short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar and rear cockpit bulkhead. A postaccident examination of the glider revealed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The airbrakes were found fully deployed after the accident.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportChilhowee Gliderport (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftLet L-23 Super Blanik
Tail NumberN273BA
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC