Investigation number
198302312
Occurrence date
Location
Penfield
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

The gyroglider was being towed in alternate directions along a strip. There was a 10 knot wind component along the strip direction and the temperature was 34 degrees Celsius. During one downwind towing sequence the wind speed increased. The pilot signalled for a higher towing speed, but as the vehicle driver had been instructed to observe a limit of 80 kph, he did not increase speed further. The gyroglider subsequently landed heavily and overturned. The high density altitude conditions, coupled with the gusting tailwind and aircraft weight approaching the maximum permissible, required a towing airspeed higher than normal. Towing speed was limited by fixed ground speed limits.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Amateur Built Aircraft
Model
Gyroglider
Operation type
Flying Training
Departure point
Penfield VIC
Destination
Penfield VIC
Damage
Destroyed