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Glider Lands Short, Contacts Tall Grass and Spins During Landing Roll (N82AS)

Enumclaw, WA, US

On June 27, 1993, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N82AS) operated by Puget Sound Soaring Assoc. was involved in an aviation accident near Enumclaw, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND THE GRASS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A glider on a local familiarization flight landed approximately 300 feet from the runway end. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted tall grass, spinning the glider left. The right wing then struck the surface, and the glider came to rest 90 degrees from the runway heading.

Incident Details

A glider completing a local familiarization flight touched down about 300 feet from the end of the runway. As the aircraft rolled out, the left wing encountered tall grass growing near the runway edges. This contact caused the glider to spin abruptly to the left. Subsequently, the right wing struck the surface, and the glider came to a stop oriented 90 degrees relative to the runway centerline.

Procedural Note

Standard operating procedure for landings at this location specified that gliders should touch down 500 feet or more down the runway. This practice was intended to avoid the tall grass present near the approach end of the runway.

Pilot Communication

The second pilot on board reported that during the final approach, he advised the pilot in command to land further down the runway. The advice was given to ensure the glider would clear the tall grass area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 1993 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Enumclaw, WA?

A glider on a local familiarization flight landed approximately 300 feet from the runway end. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted tall grass, spinning the glider left. The right wing then struck the surface, and the glider came to rest 90 degrees from the runway heading.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jun 1993 Let BLANIK L-13 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 1993 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N82AS, operated by Puget Sound Soaring Assoc., at Enumclaw, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH GEOGRAPHIC AREA AND THE GRASS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12730. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.