On April 13, 1985, a Let L-13 (registration N90862) was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider pilot reported encountering rapid sink on final approach, leading to an off-airport landing where the left wing struck a dirt mound, damaging the aircraft.
Event Description
A pilot reported that during final approach at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the approach pattern appeared normal until the glider was about one-third mile from the runway threshold. At that point, the glider began to sink rapidly. Realizing that the glider would be unable to reach the runway, the pilot decided to land as soon as possible to avoid a ditch near the threshold. The pilot extended full spoilers and landed on rough terrain. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a large mound of dirt, resulting in damage to the glider.
Possible Contributing Factor
The pilot believed that the sudden sink may have been due to wind shear. No other potential causes were identified in the report.
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