Glider collision on runway 25L

Casualties unknown • Llano, CA, US

A student pilot landing a Blanik L-13 glider collided with a DG 505 glider waiting for takeoff at an airport.

What happened

A student pilot was performing a landing on runway 25L in a LET Blanik L-13 glider. At the time of the incident, another glider, a DG 505, was positioned on runway 25R approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. The DG 505 was attached to a tow plane and awaiting takeoff.

The student pilot completed a normal landing on runway 25L, touching down 500 feet from the end of the runway. During the landing roll, the Blanik L-13 veered to the right and collided with the stationary DG 505. The collision occurred when the right wing of the Blanik L-13 struck the left wingtip of the DG 505. There were no injuries reported in the incident.

The investigation

A post-accident inspection of the LET Blanik L-13 revealed substantial damage, including bent bulkheads within the fuselage, detached wing attachments, and distorted wing skins. The damage to the DG 505 was minor and limited to a detachable wingtip.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, compounded by distraction caused by looking at an obstruction rather than ahead on the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-04-13 Let BLANIK L-13 accident near Llano, CA?

A student pilot landing a Blanik L-13 glider collided with a DG 505 glider waiting for takeoff at an airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-04-13 involved a Let BLANIK L-13, registration N101JJ, operated by Henrich G Brigentoff, at Llano, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, compounded by distraction caused by looking at an obstruction rather than ahead on the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070501X00486. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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