Probable cause
A loss of lift that resulted in an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
According to a written statement received from the Civil Air Patrol, and forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Board, the glider lost lift while preparing to land. The pilot selected an off-field landing location and during the landing attempt, encountered terrain and a fence that was not expected. The glider was substantially damaged during the impact. An examination of the glider and its systems, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration, revealed no anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA507 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 28, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Socorro, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Socorro (KONM)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Let L-23 SUPER BLANIK
- N-number
- N361BA
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Public aircraft
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.