# NTSB BFO92LA039: Let L-13, N12CG, Lock Haven, PA, March 14, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1992, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Lock Haven, PA
- Coordinates: 41.130764, -77.450996 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1308&lon=-77.4510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11770
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11770/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA039

## Probable cause

A TOW ROPE THAT BROKE AT LOW ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - glider launch/tow equipment - failure,total (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate
  - proper alignment - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS DEPARTING ON RUNWAY 27 FOR A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT. DURING THE TOWED TAKEOFF, THE TOW ROPE BROKE AT 220 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL. THE PILOT CLEARED THE TOW PLANE BY MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND THEN TURNED BACK TO THE LEFT TO THE DEPARTURE FIELD. DUE TO OBSTRUCTIONS NEAR THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON THE GRASS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PAVED RUNWAY. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE GLIDER STRUCK A MOUND OF DIRT WHICH DESTROYED THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12CG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12CG-2009-11-16), registration cancelled 2009-11-16, S/N 174525, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LET L-13
- Registry model: [Let BLANIK L-13](https://openairdocs.org/model/let-blanik-l-13) (registry code 1360306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 174525
- Airframe hours: 2717
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harry C Samuel
- Registered owner: Harry C Samuel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 6, 1991, 30 hours before
- Airport: LHV, W. T. Piper Mem., runway 27, 3,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 74; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 10,000 total, 3 in this make and model, 10,000 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920314006219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920314006219A), Mar 14, 1992: Let L13BLANIK, Lock Haven, PA, Destroyed. Tow rope broke on takeoff. Struck dirt mound trying to return to runway.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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