Investigation number
198801403
Occurrence date
Location
Porepunkah
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Ground strike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot had been operating the glider at this strip for several days, being launched for each flight by an aero-tow aircraft. The grass at the strip was about 15 centimetres long, and was relatively dense. The weather conditions for this flight were fine, with a light and variable wind. On takeoff, as the tug aircraft and glider accelerated the right wing tip of the glider contacted the grass. An attempt by the pilot to raise the wing was unsuccessful and the glider groundlooped. During this groundloop the tow line back-released. The particular glider was equipped with a belly tow point, with no provision for a tow point on the nose. With the wings level, there is about 30 centimetres clearance from the wing tips to the ground. This accident was not the subject of an on-scene investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Glasflugel
Model
205
Registration
VH-GVI
Serial number
GFA 85 (HB)
Operation type
Gliding
Departure point
Porepunkah VIC
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Porepunkah VIC
Damage
Substantial