Casualties unknown

Glider Accident During Auto Tow Launch with Passenger (N3458)

Buena Vista, CO, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29348. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.