On July 4, 1997, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N65378) was involved in an aviation accident near Pagosa Springs, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: 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. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot searching for thermals east of an airport landed in a school soccer field after insufficient altitude. During landing, the aircraft went off the field and collided with an embankment next to a road.
Incident Summary
A pilot was searching for thermals approximately 5 miles east of the airport when he realized that he did not have sufficient altitude to glide back to the airport. He then elected to land in a school soccer field.
Approach and Landing
During the approach to the soccer field, the pilot observed a 5-foot high hill located in the middle of the field. He decided to land on the far side of the hill to avoid it. After touching down, the pilot applied moderate braking to slow the aircraft.
Collision
Despite the braking, the aircraft continued beyond the boundaries of the soccer field and collided with an embankment adjacent to a road.
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