Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 29, 1993 at 1615 central daylight time, a Blanik L-13 glider, N640RM, collided with the ground while attempting a precautionary landing near Elberta, Alabama. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the two occupants were not injured. The flight departed Elberta at 1500 hours.
According to the pilot, he was returning to Elberta, when he encountered cloud buildups and a loss of lifting activity. He elected to land in a field but encountered a downdraft on short final and collided with the ground. No mechanical problems were reported.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL93LA097