Accident Narrative
At 1400 eastern daylight time on April 7, 2020, a Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus glider, registration N271BL, was substantially damaged in an accident on the gliderport property near Groveland, Florida. The private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The tow pilot reported that the initial takeoff from runway 36 was normal, with slight pilot-induced oscillations from the glider. At approximately 500 ft above ground level, the aircraft encountered turbulence. The tow pilot noticed the glider was low and out of sight in his mirror and felt the glider release from the tow. He did not witness the glider's descent or the accident and stated that he never saw the glider's spoilers deployed.
Witness Accounts
Two residents of the gliderport residential community observed the glider release from the tow aircraft at a low altitude and turn to the east. They reported that the turn continued to the south, after which the nose of the glider pointed downward, and it descended vertically out of view.
Wreckage and Examination
The glider came to rest behind a residence on the east side of the turf runway. Postaccident examination confirmed flight continuity to all flight control surfaces and revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot's logbook indicated a total of 49 flights, with 44 performed in two-seat gliders. There were five recorded flights in the accident glider, all involving aerotow to release altitudes of 2,500 to 3,000 ft above ground level. No evidence suggested the pilot had practiced simulated takeoff emergencies in that glider model.
An officer from the gliderport's parent company noted that another pilot had recently used the glider in competition. After the competition, the glider was stored fully assembled. Flight control checks had been performed and certified prior to that event.
Data Recovery
Three devices capable of storing non-volatile memory—an LXNav Nano, a Naviter Oudie, and a Nadler SN10—were recovered from the wreckage, but no data could be retrieved from them.
Soaring Safety Foundation Statement
According to the Soaring Society of America Soaring Safety Foundation, premature termination of tow is a leading cause of glider accidents and pilot fatalities. Such events include broken towlines, distractions from inadvertent spoiler extension, improperly closed canopy, mechanical issues, and failure to maintain proper position behind the tow plane.