Blanik L13, VH-GAQ, Northam Airfield WA, 28 September 1988

198800134

Summary

The aircraft was attempting a take off from Northam Airfield at the time of the accident. The student pilot was flying the aircraft and another student was acting as wingtip walker. The wingtip walker inadvertently held the left wing up against aileron control input from the pilot. When the wingtip walker released the wing, the aircraft rolled rapidly to the left. The wingtip, which was fitted with a combination metal tie-down point and skid, collided with the ground, the skid dug in and the aircraft ground looped. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198800134
Occurrence date 28/09/1988
Location Northam Airfield
Report release date 17/03/1989
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Let National Corporation
Model Blanik
Registration VH-GAQ
Serial number N/K
Operation type Gliding
Departure point Northam Airfield WA
Destination Northam Airfield WA
Damage Substantial