# NTSB MIA99LA227: Let Blanik L-13, N7529, Perry, SC, August 17, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1999, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Perry, SC
- Location: 33.6284° N, 81.3082° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Perry, SC, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6284&lon=-81.3082&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 2, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47123
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA99LA227
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47123/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA99LA227

## Probable cause

an in-flight collision with the ground due to inadequate liftoff airspeed, and the pilot's improper use of flaps, which resulted in too low of an altitude to sustain flight.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - flaps - inadvertent activation, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vlof) - inadequate
  - altitude - low

## Analysis

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.

## Factual narrative

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."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7529](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7529-2018-03-06), registration cancelled 2018-03-06, S/N 025524 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Let BLANIK L-13 (BLANIK L-1)
- Registry model: [Let BLANIK L-13](https://openairdocs.org/model/let-blanik-l-13) (registry code 1360306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 025524
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Perry Soaring Assoc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: SC95, Perry International, runway 7, 5,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; medical: unknown; seat: rear; flight hours: 250 total, 50 in this make and model, 190 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AGS, 45 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 19990817012689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990817012689A), Aug 17, 1999: Let L13BLANIK, Perry, SC, Substantial damage. Glider failed to produce enough lift during auto launch, the pilot attempted to make an emergency landing, one of the wings struck a tree, and the acft…

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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