Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of control on short final.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the local glider flight, he was unable to find sufficient lift to remain airborne. He selected a field that was within gliding distance and setup for landing. However, on short final, he became fixated on a small tree in the glide path. The airspeed decreased, and the glider entered an inadvertent aerodynamic stall. The subsequent impact with the terrain resulted in damage to the left wing spar and aft fuselage. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures which precluded normal operation of the glider.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA331 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kingman, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- N/A (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Let L 33 SOLO
- N-number
- N133LB
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1993
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.