AAIB Report: Standard Cirrus 75, fatal accident
During ground roll, the tailplane detached from the Standard Cirrus 75 (G-DDGX). Signals for the takeoff to be aborted did not reach either pilot. 皇冠体育app glider became airborne, climbed rapidly, before descending steeply and striking the ground, 27 July 2019.
皇冠体育app glider was undertaking an aerotow launch at Gwernesney Airfield in Monmouthshire. During the early stages of the ground roll the horizontal tailplane detached from G-DDGX and fell to the ground. Club members assisting with the launch signalled for the takeoff to be aborted but the message did not reach the aerotow tug pilot; the accident pilot did not appear to hear or see the stop signals either. 皇冠体育app glider became airborne and climbed rapidly, before the tow cable released and the aircraft鈥檚 nose dropped. 皇冠体育app glider descended steeply and struck the ground nose first. 皇冠体育app pilot died five days later from complications related to injuries sustained in the accident.
皇冠体育app investigation determined that the tailplane had not been correctly attached when the glider was rigged and this was not detected prior to the flight. 皇冠体育app precise manner in which the tailplane had been mis-rigged could not be determined.
Two Safety Recommendations are made relating to communication for glider launching and detecting incorrect alignment of tailplane locking features. In addition, the gliding club has undertaken several safety actions regarding launch signalling and detection of incorrect tailplane locking on other Standard Cirrus gliders.