What happened
On August 29, 2009, at approximately 17:39 local time, a Schempp-Hirth Janus C glider was performing a winch launch from runway 24 at the Eutingen glider airfield. The aircraft was carrying two occupants. Shortly after liftoff during the initial climb, witnesses observed a rope break in the steel cable of the double-drum winch.
Following the separation from the winch cable, the glider entered a sideslip at an altitude of less than 100 meters. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground approximately 300 meters from the takeoff point with a shallow longitudinal pitch. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, specifically destroying the cockpit area and detaching the tail unit from the fuselage.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events following the launch and the condition of the aircraft and equipment. The investigation confirmed that the glider's weight and balance were within prescribed limits and that the aircraft had undergone its most recent annual inspection in December 2008. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were stable, with a 12-knot wind from 280 degrees and light cloud cover above 3,000 feet.
Upon examination of the Schempp-Hirth Janus C, investigators found no technical defects in the aircraft itself. The investigation established that the primary event was the failure of the winch cable during the climb.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the breaking of the winch cable during the initial climb phase.
- The impact resulted in one serious injury to the pilot in the front seat and one minor injury to the passenger in the rear seat.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including the destruction of the cockpit and separation of the tail assembly.