What happened
On July 5, 2009, an ASW19 glider was performing a winch launch from the Quakenbrück airfield. During the takeoff roll, the pilot heard a rattling noise coming from the rear section of the fuselage. Shortly thereafter, the pilot realized that the elevator was no longer functional and notified the launch site via radio.
As the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 meters, the tow rope disconnected from the release mechanism, and the glider transitioned into level flight. Realizing the severity of the control failure, the pilot jettisoned the canopy and performed an emergency egress. The pilot landed safely on the ground using a rescue parachute with no injuries.
Following the pilot's departure, the unoccupied ASW19 entered a spin and crashed into a nearby cornfield. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and caused damage to the field.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the control system of the glider. Investigators checked the control rods from the control stick to the elevator connection, confirming that the movement and functionality of the rods were intact. The ball joint and socket of the retaining clip were found to be undamaged. The investigation also considered the manufacturer's technical specifications regarding elevator behavior when disconnected from the control linkage.