Casualties unknown

Glider Damaged During Landing Ground Loop (N69AS)

Mayville, NY, US

On August 19, 1995, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N69AS) was involved in an aviation accident near Mayville, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ground loop resulting from application of rudder while the wing was still in high 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A glider pilot performing a precautionary landing in high grass applied rudder while the wing was still in the grass, causing a ground loop that damaged the glider.

Accident Sequence

A glider pilot reported intending to land on runway 13 but noticed a small airplane moving down runway 31. To avoid the runway, powerlines, a ditch, and a road, the pilot landed in high grass approximately 10 feet west of the runway edge. After touchdown, the pilot applied full right rudder and deployed spoilers to prevent rolling across the runway. However, the pilot had not noticed that the right wing had not yet cleared the high grass. The wingtip dipped, caught in the ground, and the glider entered a ground loop, resulting in damage to the glider.

Pilot Experience

The pilot, a student pilot, had approximately 18 hours of total flight time, of which 1 hour was solo time.

Probable cause

The ground loop resulting from application of rudder while the wing was still in high grass.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04358. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.