Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper glidepath, which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after soaring atop ridgelines in a glider, he initiated an approach. During final, the pilot put the glider in a slip to lose altitude and intercept an "appropriate glideslope." However, the right wing impacted treetops and then came to rest inverted. The glider sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 28, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Enumclaw, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Bergseth Field (WN76)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Let L13
- N-number
- N213TA
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.