Summary
On April 22, 2006, at approximately 09:26 UTC, a L-13 Blanik glider sustained a total loss during a private check flight from Kapfenberg Airport (LOGK) in Styria, Austria. The glider was being towed by a motor glider in an aerotow (F-Schlepp). During the climb, the tow pilot radioed "Ausklinken – Ausklinken! Motorprobleme!" (Release – Release! Engine problems!). The front-seat pilot of the glider released just before the runway end. After release, the glider flew straight ahead beyond the runway end, then attempted a turn back to the runway. During the turn, the right wing contacted the ground, and the glider impacted within the airport grounds.
Injuries and Damage
The front-seat pilot (flying pilot) suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. The rear-seat pilot (flight instructor) was seriously injured. The glider was destroyed.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the glider began the aerotow at about 09:26 UTC. During the climb, the tow aircraft experienced an engine problem. The tow pilot called for release over the radio. The glider pilot released the tow rope just before the end of the runway. After release, the glider continued straight ahead beyond the runway. The pilot then initiated a turn to return to the runway. In the turn, the right wing touched the ground, leading to the crash.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident, as stated by the investigation, was the termination of the tow due to an engine problem of the tow aircraft at low altitude and the resulting turn back, which was initiated from insufficient altitude.