What happened
On June 2, 2017, a Jantar Std.3 glider was performing a takeoff from the EPZR aerodrome. During the takeoff roll, while following a towing aircraft, the pilot experienced a mechanical failure involving the disconnection of the left aileron control linkage.
After the glider reached an altitude of approximately 100 meters, the pilot successfully released from the tow rope and initiated a turn back toward the airfield at an angle of approximately 150 degrees. During this maneuvering, the cockpit canopy detached from the aircraft and fell into the water. The pilot managed to complete the flight and landed the glider safely at the aerodrome without further damage to the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the control linkages and the procedures followed during the aircraft's assembly. The inquiry established that the control mechanism for the left aileron had become disconnected during the high-stress phase of the takeoff run.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the incorrect connection of the aileron control linkage during the glider assembly process.
- The pilot failed to identify the improper connection during the pre-flight inspection.