1996-04-06: Let BLANIK L-13 — Jean, NV

Casualties unknown • Jean, NV, US

Probable cause

the pilot's poorly planned approach. The flight's encounter with a downdraft is a factor in this accident.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

After being aero towed to 2,000 feet agl, the pilot was unable to find adequate thermal activity and returned to the airport and entered the traffic pattern at 800 feet agl. The pilot encountered a high sink rate on final approach and landed short of the runway. The glider collided with the airport boundary fence. The pilot said that the accident could have been prevented if he had shortened the base leg turn. He also said that the glider did not experience any preimpact malfunctions or failures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-04-06 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Jean, NV?

After being aero towed to 2,000 feet agl, the pilot was unable to find adequate thermal activity and returned to the airport and entered the traffic pattern at 800 feet agl. The pilot encountered a high sink rate on final approach and landed short of the runway. The glider collided with the airport boundary fence.…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-04-06 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N65379, at Jean, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's poorly planned approach. The flight's encounter with a downdraft is a factor in this accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05604. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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