MIA99LA227

The glider was being launched by an automobile, and according to the pilot, '...lack of airspeed for adequate climb was generated and resulting release was low 100-150 feet.' The pilot performed a left turn 90 degrees because he did not have sufficent altitude to return to airport. He elected to land in a field adjacent to the airport. He said, 'I inadvertently deployed flaps instead of spoilers resulting in excess float.' Just before the end of the field he turned right to avoid trees. The right wing impacted the ground followed by the nose and left wing.

On August 17, 1999, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Let Blanik L-13 glider, N7529, registered to the Perry Soaring Association, collided with the ground during takeoff at the Perry Airport, Perry, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 local personal flight. The glider was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time.

The glider was being launched by an automobile, and according to the pilot, "...lack of airspeed for adequate climb was generated and resulting release was low 100-150 feet. A left turn 90 degrees was made and I decided I did not have altitude to return to airport. I elected to land in field adjacent to airport...large enough for normal off field landing...I inadvertently deployed flaps instead of spoilers resulting in excess float. Just prior to end of field a right turn was made to avoid trees. The right wing impacted ground followed by nose and opposite wing."