Investigation number
199304074
Occurrence date
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence type
Forced/precautionary landing
Occurrence category
Accident

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 sidelipping 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.

Aircraft Details
Model
SZD-32A Foka-5
Registration
VH-GZD
Sector
Other
Departure point
Grafton NSW
Destination
Grafton NSW
Damage
Substantial