Casualties unknown

1995-04-29: Let L-23 SUPER BLANIK (N152AT) — Harald W. Behrend — Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg, SC, US

On April 29, 1995, a Let L-23 SUPER BLANIK (registration N152AT) operated by Harald W. Behrend was involved in an aviation accident near Spartanburg, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent use speed brakes during takeoff. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A glider aborted takeoff after failing to gain sufficient airspeed. During maneuvering to avoid obstructions, the glider ground looped, resulting in structural damage. The pilot later found the speed brakes deployed.

Accident Overview

A glider experienced a ground loop during an aborted takeoff, resulting in structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The incident occurred when the glider was unable to achieve sufficient airspeed during the takeoff roll.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, the glider was not gaining sufficient airspeed during the takeoff roll. The tow plane pilot released the glider, and the takeoff was aborted. Due to obstructions at the departure end of the runway, the pilot attempted to maneuver the glider into an open area. During this maneuver, the left wing contacted the ground first, leading to a ground loop.

Damage

The ground loop caused structural damage to the wings and fuselage of the glider.

Post-Accident Observations

After exiting the glider, the pilot noticed that the speed brakes were in the deployed position. This position correlated with the position of the speed brake handle.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03232. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.