What happened
On August 8, 2024, at 14:51 UTC, a Grob G102 ASTIR CS glider, registration OY-XGT, was involved in an accident during a local private flight at Ejstruphede (EKVE). The aircraft was attempting a winch launch from runway 31 under visual flight rules (VFR) in daylight. During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced an asymmetrical pull from the winch cable. Simultaneously, the ailerons were likely not in a neutral position. This imbalance caused the right wing to make contact with the runway, leading to a ground loop and a heavy impact of the aircraft's nose against the ground.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board conducted an initial safety investigation into the event. The investigation established that the weather conditions consisted of a light north-northwest wind. The investigation focused on the sequence of the launch and the physical contact between the aircraft and the runway. Following the initial assessment, the board decided not to pursue further technical investigation steps.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose section, and the canopy was shattered.
- There was one serious injury recorded among the crew.
- The primary cause of the accident was an asymmetrical tension from the winch cable combined with non-neutral aileron positioning, which induced a wing strike and subsequent ground loop.