Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in the pilot landing short of the intended runway.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a nonpowered glider reported that, while on the downwind for landing, the glider was higher than normal due to lift that was encountered. He added that, while on final approach, the glider encountered a gusting headwind, which reduced the ground speed. The glider was unable to maintain sufficient altitude and touched down short of the intended runway.
The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located 9 miles east of the accident airport reported that, about 2 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 260° at 14 knots, gusting to 23 knots. 27U was the intended runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA477 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homestead, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Miami Homestead General Aviati (X51)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Let L 23 SUPER BLANIK
- N-number
- N304MG
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.