Forced/precautionary landing involving a Szybowcowy Zakland Doswiadczalny SZD-32A Foka-5, VH-GZD, Grafton, New South Wales, on 28 November 1993

The pilot reported that the initial launch was slow, and that he held the nose down until the speed increased to about 50 knots, at which time he began a normal climb. At about 100 feet the speed decreased, the pilot lowered the nose, and the launch cable parachute deployed over the canopy. The parachute and wire wrapped around the right wing and pulled the glider towards a line of trees. The pilot banked left to avoid the trees and was able to level the wings before ground impact. The aircraft struck the ground whilst still sideslipping left, tearing off the landing skid and fracturing the left wing.

Relevant Factors

1. The pilot failed to avoid the tow cable after its release.

2. Control was lost due to the cable being wrapped around the right wing.