Pilot Debrief

LET L 33 SOLO near Adelanto, CA — 2010-08-06

Final reportWPR10CA389
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Date
2010-08-06
Location
Adelanto, CA, USA
Airport
0CL1
Aircraft
LET L 33 SOLO
Registration
N315BA
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to make it to the airport as a result of his inadequate planning for the gusting headwinds.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after a normal release about 2 miles north of the airport at 3,000 feet, he turned the glider south towards the airport. Approximately 1 mile from the airport the glider encountered strong winds from the south and it entered a high rate of descent with minimal forward motion. The pilot determined the glider would not make the airport and he executed an off-airport landing. During the landing, the right wing struck a bush and the glider ground-looped, substantially damaging its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe prior to the accident. An airport located about 9 miles to the east of the accident airport indicated at the time of the accident wind was from 180 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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