Let L-23 SUPER BLANIK N438BA accident near Minden, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in an impact with a taxiway sign.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the glider reported that while on downwind, the tow airplane maneuvered to avoid another aircraft, which resulted in a slack tow line. The tow line subsequently broke, and the glider pilot initiated a landing to a nearby runway from about 900 ft above ground level (agl). During the landing roll, the glider drifted right, and the right wing impacted a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing spar. 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 WPR23LA362 for the full record.