# NTSB LAX93LA228: WSK PZL KR-03A, N6644A, Avenal, CA, May 26, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 26, 1993, 14:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Avenal, CA
- Coordinates: 35.889461, -120.07022 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8895&lon=-120.0702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27972
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27972/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA228

## Probable cause

THE GLIDER'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE DOWNDRAFT.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENTS WERE THE TURBULENCE AND THE POWERLINES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GLIDER ENCOUNTERED EXTENSIVE TURBULENCE AND DOWNDRAFTS WHILE RETURNING TO THE GLIDER PORT.  THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD.  WHILE TURNING ONTO THE BASE LEG FOR THE LANDING THE GLIDER ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT. THE PILOT OBSERVED SOME POWERLINES AND DOVE THE GLIDER BENEATH THEM. WHILE DIRECTLY UNDER THE POWERLINES THE PILOT OBSERVED A 3-FT BARBEDWIRE FENCE. WHEN THE PILOT RAISED THE GLIDER'S PITCH ATTITUDE TO AVOID HITTING THE FENCE, THE GLIDER'S RIGHT WING RAISED AND STRUCK THE POWERLINES. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ENCOUNTERING ANY PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6644A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6644A-2013-09-30), registration cancelled 2013-09-30, S/N 03-04, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WSK PZL KR-03A
- Registry model: [WSK Pzl-Krosno KR-03A](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-krosno-kr-03a) (registry code 1130847) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 03/04
- Airframe hours: 132
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kulbeth, Joseph
- Registered owner: Kulbeth, Joseph
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 8, 1993, 13 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 150 total, 8 in this make and model, 137 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 20 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19930526015239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930526015239A), May 26, 1993: Frchld KR31A, Avenal, CA, Substantial damage. Unable to return to glider strip due turbulence. Landing in open field struck wires.

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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