Powered glider crashes during climb-out at Santo Tomé del Puerto

Casualties unknown • Aeródromo de Santo Tomé del Puerto (Segovia), ES

A Glaser-Dirks DG-600M powered glider crashed during its initial climb at a Spanish aerodrome, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What happened

On 28 July 2000, at approximately 12:30 local time, a Glaser-Dirks DG-60 and 600M powered glider, registration D-KEUP, took off from runway 12 at the Santo Tomé del Puerto Aerodrome in Segovia, Spain. Following a standard engine warm-up, the aircraft began its initial climb. During this phase, the aircraft experienced a loss of performance, likely due to insufficient engine power.

In an attempt to return to the aerodrome, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn, presumably intending to land on runway 30. During this maneuver, the aircraft's right wingtip struck the ground, followed by a nose-down impact. The collision resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and caused serious injuries to the pilot.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot executing a turn with insufficient altitude. This maneuver was prompted by a lack of engine performance, as the engine's power was significantly reduced due to the high elevation of the aerodrome and the ambient temperature at the time of takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-07-28 Glaser-Dirks DG-600M accident near Aeródromo de Santo Tomé del Puerto (Segovia), ES?

A Glaser-Dirks DG-600M powered glider crashed during its initial climb at a Spanish aerodrome, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-07-28 involved a Glaser-Dirks DG-600M, registration D-KEUP, at Aeródromo de Santo Tomé del Puerto (Segovia), ES.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot executing a turn with insufficient altitude. This maneuver was prompted by a lack of engine performance, as the engine's power was significantly reduced due to the high elevation of the aerodrome and the ambient temperature at the time of takeoff.

Investigation report by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). Original record: https://www.transportes.gob.es/recursos_mfom/2000_027_a_eng1_1.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC), Spain - Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible.

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