# NTSB CHI96LA208: Aerotechnik L-13, N21400, Wichita, KS, June 20, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 20, 1996, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Wichita, KS
- Coordinates: 37.770099, -97.209121 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7701&lon=-97.2091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 23, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10282
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10282/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA208

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning.  Factors were the insufficient altitude and the dead battery.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent
  - electrical system,battery - discharged (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

In his written statement, the pilot of a motor glider reported that he climbed to 4,500 feet man sea level, shut down the engine, and soared for 15 minutes. When he attempted to restart the engine, the 'battery did not have enough power to operate the starter.'  He landed in a field three miles east of the destination airport. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the wreckage reported that the motor glider was substantially damaged when it hit ditches.

## Factual narrative

On June 20, 1996, at 1830 central daylight time, an Aerotecnik L-13, motor glider, N21400, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a ditch during an off airport landing in Wichita, Kansas.  The solo commercial pilot reported no injuries.  The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed the Jabara Airport, Wichita, Kansas about 1800.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that he climbed to 4,500 feet man sea level, shut down the engine, and soared for 15 minutes.  When he attempted to start the engine, the "battery did not have enough power to operate the starter."  He landed in a field three miles east of the Jabara Airport.

The wreckage was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector.  He reported that the airplane was substantially damaged when it "hit ditches on the roadside."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21400](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21400-2013-05-03), registration cancelled 2013-05-03, S/N 930503, built 1993 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aerotechnik L-13
- Registry model: [Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT](https://openairdocs.org/model/aerotechnik-l-13-seh-vivat) (registry code 0090100) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Unknown, amateur-built
- Serial number: 930503
- Airframe hours: 130
- Engines: Microal MARK IV 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sabris Corporation
- Last inspection: Annual, October 24, 1995, 30 hours before
- Departed: 3KM
- Destination: 3KM
- Airport: 3KM, Jabara

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,880 total, 88 in this make and model, 1,770 as pilot in command, 110 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: 3KM, 3 nm away

## 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 19960620014549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960620014549A), Jun 20, 1996: Let L13BLANIK, Wichita, KS, Substantial damage. After soa ring unable to start engine due low battery. Struck ditch landing. Powered glider.

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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