On May 5, 2001, a Let L-23 (registration N265BA) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's improper decision to partially retract the spoilers while the student was attempting to land. Factors include a tailwind, wet grass, and a taxiway sign off the end of the landing area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training landing, an instructor partially retracted spoilers without warning the student, causing the glider to float long, touch down on wet grass, depart the landing area, and impact a taxiway identification sign.
Incident Description
A glider conducting a training landing with a dual student and instructor experienced a runway excursion, striking a taxiway identification sign. The incident occurred when the glider was about to land at the north end of the grass glider landing area.
Sequence of Events
The instructor decided it would be better to land further down the runway. Without informing the student, the instructor partially retracted the spoilers. This action was intended to make the glider float farther before touching down. With the spoilers partially retracted, the wind momentarily shifted to a tailwind. As a result, the glider drifted long and touched down on wet grass. The aircraft continued beyond the intended landing area, slid across a taxiway, and collided with a taxiway identification sign.
Outcome
The glider departed the intended landing area and came to rest after impacting the sign. The source does not specify injuries, damage, or further details about the aircraft or occupants.