NTSB Factual Report

On May 23, 2004, about 1905 Pacific daylight time, a Let Blanik L-13 glider, N53AS, landed long and collided with terrain and high vegetation at the Air Sailing Gliderport, Sparks, Nevada. Northern California Soaring Association was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the glider sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight originated Sparks about 1635. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 03. While on the downwind leg of the left traffic pattern, he noted that he was close to the runway. During his left turn to base leg, he realized he had become so close to the runway that he had to immediately make his turn to final approach. The glider was above the glide slope, and the pilot elected to deploy full spoilers and configure the glider in a forward slip. Despite his efforts to reduce altitude and airspeed, the pilot could not make the runway, and the glider collided with sagebrush located past the end of the runway. The glider incurred damage to the horizontal stabilizer, right elevator, and tail cone assembly.

The pilot thought the accident could have been prevented if he had established the glider on the downwind leg. He further added that, while on base leg, he could have maneuvered the glider in abbreviated figure eights, in an effort to reduce altitude. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

the student pilot's misjudged altitude, distance, and speed, and failure to attain the proper touchdown point, resulting in an overshoot of the runway.