Accident Details
At a sanctioned Soaring Society of America aviation event, the United States 15-Meter National Soaring Championships, a glider experienced a loss of directional control during the initiation phase of an air tow takeoff launch. A wing contacted the runway, causing the glider to veer off the runway and collide with a spectator and an automobile. The spectator was located ahead of the glider, within an area designated to be devoid of personnel. The lateral distance between the edge of the runway and the spectator was 78 feet.
Ground Crew and Tow Procedure
The pilot's ground crew was assigned to support the glider's wing during the beginning of the takeoff until the pilot gained sufficient aerodynamic control to prevent the wings from contacting the ground. However, when the glider was connected to the tow plane, the tow plane never came to a complete stop. During the takeoff, the glider was accelerated in a slingshot manner out of the ground crew's hand.
Spectator Positioning
Event spokespersons acknowledged that the area where the collision occurred, referred to as the "clear zone," had not been marked with specific markers, "Do Not Cross" signs, or physical barriers. They indicated that the injured spectator was familiar with the airport and was approximately 3.5 feet closer to the runway than he should have been, for personal reasons.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot subsequently reported that if he had held his brakes until the towrope was tight and stable, he would not have lost control. Additionally, the pilot noted that as soon as he observed his course diverging from the runway centerline, he could have pulled the tow release, aborting the takeoff.
Subsequent Changes
Several officials from the aviation event's management and organization witnessed the accident. The National Soaring Championships Chair reported that its procedures were being changed, requiring the area in front of the glider's takeoff paths to be kept clear of nonparticipant personnel and vehicles.