Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
an in-flight collision with the ground due to inadequate liftoff airspeed, and the pilot's improper use of flaps, which resulted in too low of an altitude to sustain flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 17, 1999, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Let Blanik L-13 glider, N7529, registered to the Perry Soaring Association, collided with the ground during takeoff at the Perry Airport, Perry, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight. The glider was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time.
The glider was being launched by an automobile, and according to the pilot, "...lack of airspeed for adequate climb was generated and resulting release was low 100-150 feet. A left turn 90 degrees was made and I decided I did not have altitude to return to airport. I elected to land in field adjacent to airport...large enough for normal off field landing...I inadvertently deployed flaps instead of spoilers resulting in excess float. Just prior to end of field a right turn was made to avoid trees. The right wing impacted ground followed by nose and opposite wing."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA99LA227