Glider forced into pasture during landing approach

Casualties unknown • Monroe, GA, US

A glider instructor was forced to perform an emergency landing in a small pasture after the aircraft became too low to reach the runway during its final approach.

What happened

During an approach for runway 21, a glider entered a left base and turned final approximately 3,000 to 4,000 feet from the runway at an altitude of about 800 feet agl. The pilot-in-command, acting as a certified flight instructor (CFI), instructed the student pilot to deploy the spoilers to descend to the glideslope while maintaining a pattern speed of 50 knots.

The CFI subsequently took control of the aircraft after the glider began to sink rapidly, with airspeed dropping to 43 knots. Although the spoilers were closed, the aircraft was too low to successfully reach the intended touchdown point. The pilot attempted a descending right turn to avoid obstacles, but the only available landing area was a small pasture less than 300 feet in length, bordered by a ditch and trees at the far end.

The aircraft stalled approximately 2 to 3 feet above the ground while still in a turn with the right wing slightly down. The glider pivoted on its right wingtip and came to a stop within about 60 feet. There were no injuries reported in the incident.

Probable cause

The aircraft was too low to reach the runway following a rapid descent caused by the deployment of spoilers during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-10 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Monroe, GA?

A glider instructor was forced to perform an emergency landing in a small pasture after the aircraft became too low to reach the runway during its final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-10 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N90842, at Monroe, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was too low to reach the runway following a rapid descent caused by the deployment of spoilers during the final approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19311. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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