On September 16, 1989, a Let L-13 (registration N3458) operated by Chuck Gibbs was involved in an aviation accident near Buena Vista, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE GLIDER TOW LINE BY THE GLIDER PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider carrying a pilot and passenger crashed after being released from an auto tow at about 300 ft AGL. The glider turned left with increasing bank, pitched down, and impacted on an inclined bank in an extreme nose-down attitude.
Accident Details
A pilot was giving a passenger a glider ride. The flight was launched from a 9000-foot runway (runway 15) using an auto tow. At the time of launch, the wind was from 300 degrees at 4 knots.
A witness reported that the initial climb after takeoff seemed normal until the pilot released the glider at about 300 feet above ground level (AGL). After release, the pilot began a level left turn with increasing bank. Subsequently, the glider pitched down and crashed after completing about 300 degrees of turn. Impact occurred on an inclined bank, and the glider was in an extreme nose-down attitude at the moment of impact.
No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or outcomes are available from the source.
What happened in the 16 Sept 1989 Let L-13 accident near Buena Vista, CO?
A glider carrying a pilot and passenger crashed after being released from an auto tow at about 300 ft AGL. The glider turned left with increasing bank, pitched down, and impacted on an inclined bank in an extreme nose-down attitude.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Sept 1989 involved a Let L-13, registration N3458, operated by Chuck Gibbs, at Buena Vista, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE GLIDER TOW LINE BY THE GLIDER PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED, WHILE MANEUVERING BACK TOWARD THE RUNWAY, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL.
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