What happened
On August 16, 2023, a Schleicher ASW 19 B glider, registration OY-XMH, was involved in an accident during a local flight at Gørløse Airport (EKGL). The aircraft was performing a winch/tow-assisted takeoff when the pilot attempted to use partially extended airbrakes to maintain stability during the initial rollout.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft unexpectedly lifted into the air. The pilot attempted to correct this by adjusting the airbrakes, which resulted in a hard impact with the ground. A second unexpected lift-off occurred, leading to an even harder impact at an altitude of approximately 2-3 meters. During this second impact, the pilot sustained a back injury.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 3-4 meters, the pilot recognized the need to disconnect from the tow plane. However, due to the high workload and difficulty locating the release handle while managing the airbrakes, the pilot was unable to disconnect in time. The glider subsequently struck the ground heavily with its nose and right wing, performing a ground loop before coming to a stop. The impact caused the release mechanism's breaking piece to fail as designed due to the high load.
The investigation
The investigation by AIB Denmark examined the pilot's training status, the aircraft's technical condition, and the procedures used during the takeoff. The investigation found that the pilot had applied a takeoff technique used in a different aircraft model, the ASW 2 . This method—using partially extended airbrakes to increase stability—was not specified in the flight manual for the Schleicher ASW 19 B.
Investigators also noted that the pilot's recent training level was in a "yellow" category, indicating a period of lower flight frequency, which may have influenced decision-making under the increased workload of the unstable takeoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's decision to use airbrakes to correct oscillations rather than aborting the takeoff by disconnecting from the tow plane.
- The pilot applied procedures from the ASW 24 B model to the Schleicher ASW 19 B without manufacturer consultation.
- The aircraft experienced repeated hard landings (oscillations) due to the unexpected lift-offs caused by airbrake adjustments.
- The pilot was unable to locate the release handle during the critical moments of the flight sequence.
- The aircraft sustained significant structural damage to the fuselage, right wing, tail section, main landing gear, canopy, and instrument panel.