N23BR

On May 15, 1994, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a LET Blanik Glider, L-33, N23BR, piloted by Banner B. Brown, was substantially damaged while landing at the New Castle Airport, New Castle, Virginia. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan had not been filed for the flight operating under 14 CFR 91.

In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that the winds at the time of takeoff were from 190 degrees at 15 gusting to 20 knots. During the initial climb, at 100 feet above the ground (AGL), mild turbulence was encountered. At 200 feet AGL the turbulence increased. The pilot further stated:

"...About 250 feet AGL turned crosswind and continued turn downwind. Tow plane lost altitude rapidly and stabilized about 50 feet above trees...Towplane slowly gained altitude. Released about 100 yards from edge of field at 400 feet AGL...[I] turned right with slight pull up which coincided with downwind (north) pattern. Turned base just before end of runway...continued to turn final...Estimated sink on final at 30 knots [2600 feet per minute]. Hit at landing attitude...Hit deep tractor ruts and skewed about 80 degrees to the left and stopped about 100 feet from cut grass of runway..."

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector's report, the pilot stated the glider had excessive altitude loss after turning onto the base leg. Witnesses stated to the FAA Inspector that the glider spoilers were deployed from the point the aircraft turned onto base leg to landing.