What happened
On July 25, 2022, at approximately 10:44 UTC, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 19 B glider, registration D-6063, was performing a winch launch from the grass runway 26GLD at Asiago Airport. During the initial climb phase, the aircraft experienced a sudden rotation to the left and entered an inverted attitude. The glider impacted the ground at an altitude of approximately 10 to 20 meters. The pilot sustained fatal injuries and passed away shortly after the impact. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The ANSV examined surveillance footage from the airport, which captured the sequence from takeoff to impact. The investigation confirmed that the winch system, a 360 HP motorized unit, was functioning correctly and that the tow cable and hook showed no signs of failure. Technical inspections of the D-6063 revealed that all maintenance documents were up to date and no mechanical malfunctions were present.
Witness statements from the winch operator and airport personnel indicated that the takeoff preparations and radio communications were standard. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records, noting that while the pilot had sufficient experience with winch launches, the training materials used in Italy were found to be less detailed regarding specific risks compared to those used in the UK or Germany.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was loss of control in-flight (LOCI).
- The pilot performed an aggressive rotation during the early stages of the climb, likely attempting to gain altitude quickly before cable release.
- This maneuver induced an asymmetric stall of the left wing.
- The extremely low altitude at the time of the stall prevented the pilot from executing any recovery maneuvers.
- A lack of standardized, high-emphasis safety promotion and training regarding the specific risks of aggressive winch launches contributed to the event.