What happened
On 31 May 2009, a SZD-48-1 Jantar Standard 2, registration G-CFHV, was participating in a private winch launch at Long Mynd Airfield, Shropshire. The flight was part of a routine session where the pilot had recently completed a pre-flight control check and was positioned for launch.
Witnesses observed the glider begin its launch normally. However, during the early phase of the ascent, the aircraft experienced a slight right wing drop before pitching up very sharply. At approximately 100 feet above the ground, the left wing dropped, and the aircraft entered a rapid left-hand rotation. The glider descended quickly, disappearing behind a rise in the terrain, before impacting the ground approximately 100 yards from the launch point. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIB examination of the wreckage and flight components revealed that the aircraft's mechanical systems were intact. The flight controls, including the elevators and rudder, remained functional, and there was no evidence of any blockage in the pitot or static systems. The wings remained in one piece, though the left wing spar failed at the junction with the right wing due to the forces of the ground impact.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's training and maintenance history. The aircraft had undergone a successful annual inspection one month prior, and the daily inspections for the day of the accident showed no defects. The pilot's records indicated a recent BGA Bronze qualification and no history of recurring issues with winch launches or handling characteristics of this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure or technical defects in the aircraft or the winch system.
- The pilot likely applied excessive pitch control input during the rotation phase of the launch.
- This rapid rotation increased the rate of pitch, which in turn raised the aircraft's stall speed beyond its actual airspeed, leading to an unrecoverable stall and subsequent autorotation.