Accident Overview
On November 1, 2009, at 1610 eastern standard time, an experimental L-13 Blanik glider, registration N1142, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain after releasing the tow line during takeoff climb from Geauga County Airport (7G8), Middlefield, Ohio. The flight was a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight departing for a local operation. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Narrative
The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was following the student pilot on the controls during the takeoff climb. He observed the tow plane rock its wings, signaling a "wave off" to the glider. The CFI took control of the glider and stated, "It's my airplane." He released the tow line and turned 180 degrees to return to the airport. The CFI then lowered the nose to increase aircraft energy. According to the CFI, the student pilot grabbed the controls and pulled back on the stick. The CFI could not overpower the student on the controls, and the glider started to spin left. He attempted to pick up the left wing by applying opposite rudder. The glider subsequently impacted a tractor dealer's parking lot. The tow airplane returned to the airport without incident.
Pilot Statements
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector interviewed the student pilot. The student pilot stated that she observed several puffs of black smoke coming from the tow airplane. The CFI told her that he had the controls and started a turn back to the airport. She stated that she felt they were too low to the ground, panicked, grabbed the controls, and pulled back on the stick. She heard the CFI shout, "Don't stall, don't stall," but it was too late, and the glider impacted the ground.
Aircraft Damage
Inspection of the glider revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. No pre-impact anomalies were noted.