Summary
On September 24, 1995, a Let BLANIK L-13 (N38924) was involved in an accident near Como, CO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: THE PILOT ALLOWING THE GLIDER TO DEVELOP AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE. A FACTOR WAS THE PREMATURE AND AUTOMATIC DISENGAGEMENT OF THE WINCH-TOW SYSTEM.
On September 24, 1995, approximately 1730 mountain daylight time, a Blanik L-13, N38924, operated by Denver Soaring Council, Inc., was substantially damaged during a hard landing at Como, Colorado. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed.
The following is based on the pilot/operator report. A winch tow was made from runway 06 at the Silver Heels Gliderport. At an altitude about 50 feet, a slack developed in the tow line, causing the glider to be released automatically. The pilot pitched the nose down.
This accident is documented in NTSB report FTW95LA405. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N38924.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT ALLOWING THE GLIDER TO DEVELOP AN EXCESSIVE DESCENT RATE. A FACTOR WAS THE PREMATURE AND AUTOMATIC DISENGAGEMENT OF THE WINCH-TOW SYSTEM.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 24, 1995, approximately 1730 mountain daylight time, a Blanik L-13, N38924, operated by Denver Soaring Council, Inc., was substantially damaged during a hard landing at Como, Colorado. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed.
The following is based on the pilot/operator report. A winch tow was made from runway 06 at the Silver Heels Gliderport. At an altitude about 50 feet, a slack developed in the tow line, causing the glider to be released automatically. The pilot pitched the nose down. A high sink rate developed and when he flared, the glider landed hard, collapsing the landing gear. The glider came to a halt on the runway.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA405