Glider impact with trees following long landing

Casualties unknown • Sylvania, WI, US

A glider instructor attempted an emergency maneuver to avoid a cornfield after a long landing resulted in an overrun risk.

What happened

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) was performing a demonstration of a landing approach in a glider without utilizing the aircraft's dive-brakes. During the procedure, the aircraft landed long on the runway. As the landing roll progressed, it became apparent that the glider would not be able to stop before reaching the end of the runway.

To prevent the aircraft from overrunning into a cornfield located at the end of the runway, the pilot deployed the dive-brakes and executed a right turn toward an open, flat field. During this maneuver, the aircraft impacted two trees situated on the right side of the runway. The pilot was not injured.

The investigation

An inspection of the wreckage was conducted following the accident. The examination revealed no pre-accident flight control anomalies.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to avoid a cornfield by turning toward trees after an extended landing roll led to the impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-09 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Sylvania, WI?

A glider instructor attempted an emergency maneuver to avoid a cornfield after a long landing resulted in an overrun risk.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-09 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N3209F, at Sylvania, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to avoid a cornfield by turning toward trees after an extended landing roll led to the impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19186. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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