Glider stalls and crashes near Villiersdorp during aerotow flight

Casualties unknown • Private farm near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, ZA

An ASW-20 glider sustained substantial damage after stalling during an emergency landing attempt in the Western Cape, resulting in one injury.

What happened

On the afternoon of 14 May 2023, an ASW-20 glider, registration ZS-GMK, was being aerotowed from Worcester Aerodrome (FAWC) by a tug aircraft. The flight was being conducted under visual meteorological conditions as part of a private operation. After approximately ten minutes of towing, the glider pilot released the tow rope with the intention of returning to the aerodrome.

While flying near the Villiersdorp area, the pilot encountered deteriorating lift caused by the local topography. As the aircraft lost altitude, the pilot attempted to maintain height but found it impossible, necessitating an out-landing in an open field. During the maneuvers to prepare for landing, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn, during which it stalled and the right wing dropped. The glider struck the ground in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight conditions and the sequence of the impact. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and medically fit for the flight. Meteorological data from the South African Weather Service indicated strong south-westerly winds, with speeds between 20 and 23 knots and gusts reaching 32 knots, at the time of the occurrence.

Following the impact, the pilot sustained a fractured right ankle and required surgery. The tug pilot, who had returned to the aerodrome to pick up a second glider, was alerted by a person on the ground and subsequently located the wreckage on a ploughed field approximately 20 nautical miles southwest of Worcester Aerodrome.

Findings

  • The glider lost sufficient lift and altitude due to topographical influences, making recovery impossible.
  • The aircraft entered a stall during a right-hand turn while the pilot was attempting to maneuver for an out-landing.
  • The out-landing was performed in a downwind direction.
  • There were deficiencies in flight planning and the acquisition of reliable weather forecasts to ensure the safety of the soaring flight.

Probable cause

The glider stalled and crashed during a right turn after losing lift and altitude, with the pilot unable to recover due to the low height of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-05-14 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & CO, ASW-20 accident near Private farm near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, ZA?

An ASW-20 glider sustained substantial damage after stalling during an emergency landing attempt in the Western Cape, resulting in one injury.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-05-14 involved a Alexander Schleicher GmbH & CO, ASW-20, registration ZS-GMK, at Private farm near Villiersdorp, Western Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The glider stalled and crashed during a right turn after losing lift and altitude, with the pilot unable to recover due to the low height of the aircraft.

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