The pilot's improper inflight planning in that he allowed the glider to descend to too low an altitude and stray too far from the airport, exceeding the aircraft's glide capabilities. A factor was his failure to utilize maximum braking action.
— NTSB Determination
While searching for thermals 5 miles east of the airport, the pilot realized he had insufficient altitude to glide back to the airport. He elected to land in a school soccer field. During the approach, the pilot noticed a 5-foot high hill in the middle of the field. He decided to land on the other side of the hill. After touching down, the pilot applied 'moderate braking.' The aircraft went off the field and collided with an embankment next to a road.
While searching for thermals 5 miles east of the airport, the pilot realized he had insufficient altitude to glide back to the airport. He elected to land in a school soccer field. During the approach, the pilot noticed a 5-foot high hill in the middle of the field. He decided to land on the other side of the hill.…
The accident on 1997-07-04 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N65378, at Pagosa Springs, CO.
The pilot's improper inflight planning in that he allowed the glider to descend to too low an altitude and stray too far from the airport, exceeding the aircraft's glide capabilities. A factor was his failure to utilize maximum braking action.
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