On August 30, 1999, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N3255Y) operated by Sammie V. Wood was involved in an aviation accident near Jonesboro, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the final approach, which resulted in an impact with a power line support pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider pilot lost altitude rapidly on final approach to a private airstrip. Despite retracting controls to gain height, the aircraft struck a power line support pole with its right wing before crashing to the ground.
What happened
The accident occurred while a glider was conducting an approach for landing at a private airstrip. The pilot reported that the aircraft encountered a high rate of sink during the final phase of flight. In an attempt to arrest the descent and clear obstacles, the pilot retracted both the spoilers and flaps.
Despite these control inputs, the glider failed to gain sufficient altitude. The right wing struck a power line support pole, causing the aircraft to lose structural integrity and fall to the ground immediately after impact.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site confirmed that the glider had impacted a power line support pole. The damage was concentrated on the right wing structure, consistent with the pilot's account of striking the obstacle during the final approach segment.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the final approach, which resulted in an impact with a power line support pole.
What happened in the 30 Aug 1999 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Jonesboro, AR?
A glider pilot lost altitude rapidly on final approach to a private airstrip. Despite retracting controls to gain height, the aircraft struck a power line support pole with its right wing before crashing to the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Aug 1999 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N3255Y, operated by Sammie V. Wood, at Jonesboro, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and altitude during the final approach, which resulted in an impact with a power line support pole.
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