On April 8, 1995, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N48039) operated by Theodore N. Mavrotheris was involved in an aviation accident near Brownsboro, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADVERTENT USE OF SPOILERS DURING TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE GLIDER INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO IDENTIFY THE EXTENDED SPOILERS, AND THE PROXIMITY OF TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider accident occurred during aerotow when the student pilot accidentally deployed spoilers during takeoff roll. The tow plane released the glider at 80 ft AGL. The instructor attempted to land in a clearing, but the wing contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Details
A glider instructor (CFI) reported that during the takeoff roll while being towed, the student pilot accidentally activated the spoilers. After lift-off, the tow plane could not gain sufficient altitude while towing the glider in that configuration. Consequently, the tow pilot released the glider at an altitude of about 80 feet above ground level.
Sequence of Events
Upon release, the instructor pilot turned the glider to avoid trees and attempted to land in a clearing. However, during the landing attempt, the wing of the glider contacted the ground. The glider then rotated approximately 90 degrees and slid to a stop.
Damage
The glider sustained substantial damage as a result of the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Apr 1995 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Brownsboro, AL?
A glider accident occurred during aerotow when the student pilot accidentally deployed spoilers during takeoff roll. The tow plane released the glider at 80 ft AGL. The instructor attempted to land in a clearing, but the wing contacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 1995 Let BLANIK L-13 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Apr 1995 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N48039, operated by Theodore N. Mavrotheris, at Brownsboro, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE STUDENT PILOT'S INADVERTENT USE OF SPOILERS DURING TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE GLIDER INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO IDENTIFY THE EXTENDED SPOILERS, AND THE PROXIMITY OF TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
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