LET L 33 SOLO
Wakefield, VA — August 17, 2011
Event Information
| Date | August 17, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA11CA465 |
| Event ID | 20110819X31349 |
| Location | Wakefield, VA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.97000, -76.95889 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | LET |
| Model | L 33 SOLO |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, resulting in an off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that the glider was at 2,500 feet as he neared the completion of the second leg of his three-leg cross-country flight. He searched for lift and a suitable off-airport landing site simultaneously, in case he was unable to find lift. The glider encountered sink, and the pilot completed a landing to a soybean field. The glider touched down one-quarter mile prior to the point of intended landing and ground-looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.