What happened
On May 18, 2019, at 12:50 UTC, a Standard Cirrus glider, registration OK-5847, was performing a takeoff in an aero-tow configuration at Chrudim Airport (LKCR). The glider was being towed by a Z 226 MS aircraft.
During the takeoff roll, the glider experienced a significant deviation to the right. The pilot noted that a combination of crosswind, the towline attachment point at the center of gravity, and insufficient rudder effectiveness caused the glider to veer off course. As the glider accelerated and released from the towline, the right wingtip caught on tall grass at the edge of runway 06. This contact caused the glider to pivot sharply, rotating approximately 90 degrees from its original heading. The glider then struck the ground hard, coming to a stop about 15 meters to the right of the runway.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the flight sequences of both the glider and the tow aircraft. The tow aircraft pilot reported that during the initial roll and as the tail lifted, the tow plane was pulled toward the left side of the runway axis. Upon looking in the rearview mirror, the tow pilot observed the glider sliding sideways with its nose on the ground and the left wing elevated. The glider pilot subsequently released the towline, leading the tow pilot to abort the takeoff.
Investigators inspected the aircraft and the maintenance records. The impact resulted in several structural issues, including the horizontal stabilizer being torn from its mount, damage to the wingtip, a broken landing gear wheel, and a broken brake cable. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which indicated partly cloudy skies with wind from 140° to 180° at 8 to 14 knots, with gusts up to 22 knots.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to maintain the correct position of the glider during the takeoff roll under crosswind conditions.
- The takeoff sequence was disorganized, leading to the right wing catching the tall grass.
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to control the glider during the takeoff phase in aero-tow.