Waggon und Maschinenbau AG Phoebus B1, VH-GYC, 13 km SSW Maryborough QLD, 14 January 1987

198703456

Summary

The pilot was returning to land after a period of thermalling flight, when severe turbulence was encountered. The pilot's head hit and broke the canopy, and he then had problems with his vision. Heavy sink was also experienced. The pilot stated his last recollection of events was making a left turn towards the airfield at about 150 feet above the ground, and then regaining consciousness in the wreckage. Investigation revealed that the glider had touched down on a 5 metre wide strip between areas of cane growing to about 1.7 metres in height. The left wing caught in the cane and the aircraft slewed violently before coming to rest with the wing completely torn out of the fuselage.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198703456
Occurrence date 14/01/1987
Location 13 km SSW Maryborough
Report release date 23/12/1987
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Collision with terrain
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Serious

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Bolkow-Apparaterbao GmbH
Model Phoebus
Registration VH-GYC
Operation type Gliding
Departure point Glenorchy QLD
Destination Glenorchy (15 km SSW Maryborough) QLD
Damage Substantial