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Glider forced landing in field following heavy sink (N711KR)

Saratoga Spring, NY, US

On May 5, 2002, a Blanik L-13 (registration N711KR) operated by Tim Hanke was involved in an aviation accident near Saratoga Spring, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountered a heavy descent rate that prevented the aircraft from reaching the intended airport, necessitating an emergency landing in a field. 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 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A glider student and instructor were forced to perform an emergency landing in a field after encountering a heavy descent rate during flight.

What happened

Following approximately 30 minutes of flight, a flight instructor directed the student pilot to return to the airport and enter the traffic pattern. During the en route portion of the flight, the glider encountered a heavy sink. The instructor observed via the variometer that the aircraft was descending at a rate of 1,000 feet per minute.

In an attempt to fly out of the sink, the instructor instructed the student to increase airspeed. However, the instructor subsequently determined that the aircraft would not reach the airport. Due to insufficient altitude to perform standard maneuvers, the instructor took control of the aircraft and prepared for a downwind landing into a nearby softball field.

The aircraft touched down in the field, and the instructor executed a left ground loop to avoid colliding with a fence. No significant weather was reported at the time or location of the accident.

Findings

  • The aircraft encountered a heavy sink rate of 1,000 feet per minute.

Probable cause

The pilot encountered a heavy descent rate that prevented the aircraft from reaching the intended airport, necessitating an emergency landing in a field.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 2002 Blanik L-13 accident near Saratoga Spring, NY?

A glider student and instructor were forced to perform an emergency landing in a field after encountering a heavy descent rate during flight.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 2002 Blanik L-13 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 2002 involved a Blanik L-13, registration N711KR, operated by Tim Hanke, at Saratoga Spring, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot encountered a heavy descent rate that prevented the aircraft from reaching the intended airport, necessitating an emergency landing in a field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020514X00674. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.