Casualties unknown

Glider Lands Long, Collides with Vegetation After Runway (N53AS)

Sparks, NV, US

On May 24, 2004, a Let BLANIK L-13 (registration N53AS) was involved in an aviation accident near Sparks, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's misjudged altitude, distance, and speed, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point, resulting in an overshoot of the runway. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A glider landed long and collided with high vegetation after the pilot, despite deploying full spoilers and a forward slip, could not reduce altitude to reach the runway. No mechanical issues were reported.

Event Summary

A glider was involved in an accident after landing long and colliding with high vegetation located beyond the end of the runway. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft.

Flight and Approach

During the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noted that he was close to the runway. On the final approach, the glider was above the glide slope. The pilot elected to deploy full spoilers and configure the glider in a forward slip to increase drag and reduce altitude and airspeed.

Landing and Impact

Despite these efforts, the glider remained too high to make the runway. The pilot landed the glider in sagebrush past the end of the runway, where it collided with high vegetation. The pilot's actions, including full spoilers and a forward slip, were insufficient to prevent the long landing and subsequent collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040616X00823. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.