Pilot Debrief

LET Blanik L-13 near Llano, CA — 2009-10-11

Final reportWPR10CA015
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Date
2009-10-11
Location
Llano, CA, USA
Airport
46CN
Aircraft
LET Blanik L-13
Registration
N948LC
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper use of the airbrakes while on approach for landing.

NTSB narrative

In a written statement, the certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that the student pilot had accomplished five dual instructional flights earlier that day. The CFI then cleared the student pilot for a solo flight. The glider was attached to a tow airplane, and the takeoff and tow were normal. The student released the glider at 2,000 feet above ground level (agl). The student used the airbrakes to descend to pattern altitude (1,000 feet agl). The CFI reported that the student forgot to close the airbrakes upon reaching traffic pattern altitude and the glider continued to descend rapidly. The student pilot maintained a 45-degree entry to the downwind leg of the runway and the glider impacted trees about 500 feet short of the airport, substantially damaging the wings, fuselage, and right horizontal stabilizer drag spar. When the CFI arrived on-scene the airbrakes were in the open position. There was no report of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the glider at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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