Accident Sequence
Shortly after liftoff from runway 26, the pilot of a glider reported that the control stick became difficult to move. The pilot decided to continue the air tow and released the glider at 200 feet above ground level. After release, the pilot turned the glider to return to the runway for landing. The pilot was still having difficulty controlling the glider and believed that the passenger, who was seated in the front seat, might have been holding the forward control stick. The pilot instructed the passenger to release the stick. Control was momentarily regained but then lost again. The pilot could not maintain control of the glider, and it collided with runway 08.
Examination Findings
An examination of the wreckage revealed no problems with the glider's control mechanisms. Additionally, an examination of another Blanik L-13 glider indicated that very little force applied to the forward control stick is required to render the rear control stick ineffective.
Background
The flight was the passenger's first in a small aircraft and was part of therapy being used to treat the passenger for a mild organic brain syndrome.