Introduction
A Blanik L-13, registration N82756, collided with a parked LS-1 glider during launch operations. The incident occurred when the Blanik's right wing contacted the left wing of the LS-1, which was situated near the right edge of the runway.
Incident Details
The collision happened as the Blanik L-13 was starting to be launched behind a tow plane. The LS-1 was parked close to the runway's right edge. According to the wing walker, he had hooked the tow rope to the Blanik and was lifting the right wing when he noticed that the LS-1 was too close to the runway. He stated that he put the wing down and shouted for a release, as he had been instructed. However, the Blanik pilot fanned the rudder to signal the tow pilot to begin the launch.
Pilot and Wing Walker Accounts
The Blanik pilot reported that the wing walker had raised the wing—a signal to start the launch—and then attempted to stop the launch but did not use the proper 'cut' signal. Subsequently, the launch commenced. The Blanik veered slightly to the right and struck the LS-1 before the Blanik pilot released the tow rope.