What happened
On June 28, 2012, a pilot was performing the landing phase of her third solo flight in a LET L-23 Super Blanik, registration N273BA. While flying the base leg of the airport traffic pattern, the pilot noted the aircraft was lower and further from the runway than intended. During the turn onto the final leg, the pilot attempted to stow the airbrakes but instead extended them. This caused the glider to sink, leading to an impact with the terrain short of the runway. The accident resulted in one minor injury and no fatalities.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. Investigators found the airbrakes fully deployed following the impact.