Summary
On October 28, 2019, a Let L13 (N213TA) was involved in an incident near Enumclaw, WA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath, which resulted in a collision with trees.
The glider pilot reported that, after soaring atop local ridgelines, he initiated an approach. During final, the pilot put the airplane in a slip to lose altitude and intercept an "appropriate glideslope." However, the glider's right wing collided with treetops and the glider came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA20CA058. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N213TA.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The glider pilot reported that, after soaring atop local ridgelines, he initiated an approach. During final, the pilot put the airplane in a slip to lose altitude and intercept an "appropriate glideslope." However, the glider's right wing collided with treetops and the glider came to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA058