Summary
On March 05, 2006, a Let L13 AC Blanik (N4413) was involved in an accident near Zephyrhills, FL. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's encounter with downdraft.
On March 5, 2006, about 1730 eastern standard time, a LET, model L13 AC Blanik glider, N4413, registered to and operated by Tampa Bay Soaring, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, made a hard landing at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. the commercial-rated glider pilot was not injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated in Zephyrhills, Florida, the same day, about 1700.
The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern at 1,000 ft AGL, and at a 45-degree angle. Shortly after announcing the turn to base he said the glider encountered a "strong sink", and he was unable to clear the tree tops at the end of the runway.
This accident is documented in NTSB report MIA06CA060. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4413.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's encounter with downdraft.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 5, 2006, about 1730 eastern standard time, a LET, model L13 AC Blanik glider, N4413, registered to and operated by Tampa Bay Soaring, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, made a hard landing at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. the commercial-rated glider pilot was not injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated in Zephyrhills, Florida, the same day, about 1700.
The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern at 1,000 ft AGL, and at a 45-degree angle. Shortly after announcing the turn to base he said the glider encountered a "strong sink", and he was unable to clear the tree tops at the end of the runway. The left wing hit a tree top, and the glider fell, short of the runway on level ground, incurring damage. According to the pilot, there were no preaccident anomalies associated with the glider.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA06CA060