Aviation safety investigations & reports
Glasflugel Hornet, VH-GMU, 4km North-west of SAddleworth SA, 30 January 1987
198700717

Summary
The pilot was attempting a 300km cross country flight. After release from the aerotow the glider only achieved 3000 feet above mean sea level. As the flight continued no further height gain was achieved and on descending to below 2000 feet the pilot decided to carry out an outlanding. While the glider was being manoeuvred in the circuit, at about 50 feet above ground level, the right wing dropped and struck the ground. The pilot had selected a landing field when flying with 2000 feet indicated on the altimeter. He was unaware that the terrain over which he was flying was 1000 feet above mean sea level and thus only 1000 feet below the aircraft. During the approach the aircraft became low and the airspeed decreased until the aircraft stalled at too low an altitude to allow recovery.
General details
Date: | 30 January 1987 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1300 | ||||
Location: | 4km North-west of Saddleworth | ||||
State: | South Australia | Occurrence type: | Loss of control | ||
Release date: | 14 May 1987 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Minor |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Glasflugel | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 206 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-GMU | |
Type of operation | Gliding | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Gawler SA | |
Departure time | 1300 | |
Destination | Gawler SA |