History of the Flight
On 16 August 2025, at 1309 UTC, a LAK-17B FES Mini glider (registration G-CLTX) was conducting a private flight from South Wales Gliding Club in Monmouthshire. During the winch launch, the airbrakes deployed without any input from the pilot. The deployment went unnoticed by the pilot until after he released the cable at the top of the climb. During his post-launch checks, he observed an excessive sink rate on the variometer and a lower-than-normal airspeed. A radio call from the ground warning about the airbrake position was not heard by the pilot.
Attempting to increase airspeed by lowering the nose had little effect, and the pilot decided to return to the airfield. However, the aircraft had descended significantly, limiting his options. Unable to avoid a row of trees on his approach, the glider collided with the treetops, which absorbed the energy. The glider came to rest lodged approximately 15 feet above the ground, sustaining damage to the fuselage, wings, and tail. The pilot was seriously injured.
Pilot's Analysis
The pilot reported that prior to the accident flight, during ground preparations, the launch cable ring had difficulty engaging the hook. When the winch tensioned, the ring flicked out vigorously. Concerned about possible damage, the glider was moved from the queue for inspection. The inspection revealed that the hook control cable had derailed from its guide pulley. The pilot accessed the pulley and cable in the cockpit and successfully rerailed the cable with some difficulty.
The launch proceeded after ensuring proper hook function. At approximately 600 feet above ground level, the airbrakes deployed. The pilot concluded that the airbrake handle likely became unlocked during the cable rerailing activity. The pitch angle during the launch caused the unrestrained handle to move rearward, deploying the airbrakes. In hindsight, the pilot realized he had focused on the cable and hook and had not verified that the airbrake lever was locked after the corrective action or during the pre-flight check.
Aircraft Information
The glider, a LAK-17B FES Mini, was manufactured in 2017 (serial no. 004) and powered by a single Sportine Aviacija FES-LAK-M100 electric motor. The pilot, aged 80, held a Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 2,050 total flying hours, including 312 hours on type. His recent experience included 26 hours in the last 90 days and 10 hours in the last 28 days.