Glider collision during launch at runway

Casualties unknown • Hemet, CA, US

A Blanik L-13 glider struck a parked LS-1 glider during a takeoff attempt after a communication error between the wing walker and the pilot.

What happened

During the launch sequence of a Blanik L-13, registration N82756, the aircraft's right wing collided with a parked LS-1 glider. The LS-1 was positioned near the right edge of the runway.

The incident began as the Blanik was being prepared for launch behind a tow plane. The wing walker had successfully attached the tow rope to the Blanik and proceeded to lift the aircraft's right wing. Upon realizing that the parked LS-1 was too close to the active runway area, the wing walker lowered the wing and called for a release of the aircraft.

However, a discrepancy in signals occurred during this critical moment. The pilot of the Blanik interpreted the initial lifting of the wing as the signal to commence the launch. While the wing walker attempted to abort the procedure, the pilot performed a rudder fan to signal the tow plane to begin the takeoff. As the launch proceeded, the Blanik veered slightly to the right, resulting in the collision with the stationary LS-1 before the pilot released the tow rope.

Probable cause

Conflicting signals between the wing walker and the pilot regarding the start of the launch sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-04-01 Let L-13 accident near Hemet, CA?

A Blanik L-13 glider struck a parked LS-1 glider during a takeoff attempt after a communication error between the wing walker and the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-04-01 involved a Let L-13, registration N82756, operated by Sailplane Enterprise, at Hemet, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Conflicting signals between the wing walker and the pilot regarding the start of the launch sequence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28114. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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