1989-09-16: Let L-13 — Chuck Gibbs — Buena Vista, CO

Casualties unknown • Buena Vista, CO, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PLT WAS GIVING A PASSENGER A GLIDER RIDE. THE FLT WAS LAUNCHED FROM A 9000 FT RWY (RWY 15) WITH AN AUTO TOW IN WIND THAT WAS FROM 300 DEG AT 4 KTS. A WITNESS RPRTD THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF SEEMED NORMAL UNTIL THE PLT RELEASED THE GLIDER AT ABOUT 300 FT AGL. THE PLT THEN BEGAN A LEVEL LEFT TURN WITH INCREASING BANK. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE GLIDER PITCHED DOWN & CRASHED AFTER COMPLETING ABOUT 300 DEG OF TURN. IMPACT OCCURRED ON AN INCLINED BANK AS THE GLIDER WAS IN AN EXTREME NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-09-16 Let L-13 accident near Buena Vista, CO?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-16 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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