2010 Slaný L-23 Super Blaník accident (OK-0698)

Overview and flight details On 4 September 2010, an L-23 Super Blaník glider with registration OK-0698 crashed approximately 2 km southwest of Slaný Airport (LKSN) in the Czech Republic. The aircraft was operated by AK Slaný and was on a training flight. The accident occurred at approximately 16:00 SELČ (14:00 UTC). ## Crew and injuries The glider was carrying a student pilot and an instructor. The student pilot, a 16-year-old male, sustained fatal injuries. The instructor, a 42-year-old male, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital. ## Aircraft and operational history The L-23 Super Blaník is a two-seat, high-wing glider of all-metal construction, manufactured by LET, a.s. The specific aircraft had serial number 917909 and was built in 1991. At the time of the accident, it had a total of 1,950 flight hours and 7,050 landings. The glider had been in the ownership of AK Slaný since May 2010 and was primarily used for training at Slaný Airport from June 2010. ## Accident sequence The crew was conducting a training exercise involving takeoff, circuit flight, and landing. The glider was launched by aerotow and released at approximately 300 m AGL on a heading of 070°. Witnesses reported that between the third and fourth turns of the circuit, at an altitude of 70-80 m, the aircraft transitioned from a turn with a 15-20° bank angle into an uncontrolled descent. It struck the ground at an angle of 70-80°. ## Wreckage and site The glider was completely destroyed. The two-seat cabin was heavily damaged by the frontal impact. The left wing was broken in the outer third by the ground impact, while the right wing was broken in the outer third by tree trunks. The fuselage broke behind the center section and deflected to the right. The main landing gear was in the extended and locked position. ## Meteorological conditions Weather conditions were suitable for the operation. At 13:30, the wind was from 010° at 8 kt with 10 km visibility and 6/8 cloud cover. A METAR from Prague (LKPR) at 14:00 UTC reported 36011KT CAVOK 16/04 Q1019. The report noted that wind direction and strength in the area of the third and fourth turns could have created descending airflows due to the terrain shape.