Investigation number
198602635
Occurrence date
Location
Warwick
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

During the aero-tow launch the right wing of the glider contacted the ground and the glider began to veer to the right. After travelling about 40 metres in this manner the glider was seen to climb steeply, to about 15 feet above the strip, then roll to the left before impacting the ground nose first. An inspection of the glider did not reveal any faults that were likely to have contributed to the accident. It is probable that the pilot was slow to react to the loss of directional control following the wing drop, and delayed in releasing the tow rope. The pilot of the tug aircraft stated that shortly after his aircraft became airborne he felt it being pulled to the left of the strip. He immediately released the tow rope. There was long grass along the side of the strip and it is likely that once the wingtip entered this, the task of attempting to regain directional control was made more difficult for the glider pilot.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Glasflugel
Model
201
Registration
VH-GZK
Operation type
Gliding
Departure point
Warwick QLD
Departure time
1300
Destination
Warwick QLD
Damage
Substantial