# NTSB SEA91LA194: Let L-13, N2NV, Wallsburg, UT, July 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1991, 16:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Wallsburg, UT
- Coordinates: 40.359806, -111.429847 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3598&lon=-111.4298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41500
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41500/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA194

## Probable cause

THE IN FLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH DOWNDRAFT WINDS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN IN THE AREA FOR A LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - downdraft (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER FLT ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFT WINDS AND WAS UNABLE TO REACH AN ARPT OR SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING.  THE ACFT STRUCK VEGETATION AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2NV (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: LET L-13
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 175220
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: High Valley Aviation
- Departed: 36U, HEBER CITY, UT
- Airport: 36U, Heber Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,725 total, 6 in this make and model, 1,487 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SLC, 35 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 19910727030119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910727030119A), Jul 27, 1991: Let L13BLANIK, Heber, UT, Substantial damage. Encountered strong downdrafts and severe surface winds after glider tow release. Cartwheeled on off airport landing

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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