Casualties unknown

Glider Collides With Airport Fence During Final Approach (N65140)

Elkin, NC, US

On November 1, 1997, a Let L-13 (registration N65140) was involved in an aviation accident near Elkin, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach while encountering wind shear and sink conditions, which resulted in a collision with an airport perimeter fence. 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 student pilot lost altitude on final due to wind shear and sink conditions. The instructor pilot took control but was unable to avoid striking an airport perimeter fence short of the runway.

What happened

The accident sequence began while the aircraft was established on final approach to runway 20. According to the instructor pilot, the glider encountered a combination of increasing headwinds and a sink condition during this phase of flight. These aerodynamic factors resulted in a noticeable loss of altitude.

Recognizing that the glider would not reach the runway threshold, the student pilot expressed doubt regarding the ability to complete the landing safely. In response to this situation, the instructor pilot assumed control of the glider. The instructor evaluated potential landing options and briefly considered diverting to an adjacent cow pasture but ultimately rejected this option. Instead, the instructor continued the approach toward runway 20.

Despite these efforts, the glider was unable to clear the obstacle. It collided with an airport perimeter fence located short of the runway threshold.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach while encountering wind shear and sink conditions, which resulted in a collision with an airport perimeter fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09220. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.