You're quite correct about the danger close to the ground, however, they're
quite a lot fun when intentionally executed! I watched my partner (and
friend) spin in from about 200 ft (thankfully, he survived). It was after a
ground launch, but entirely unrelated to the launch.


"Del Copeland" wrote in message
...
What ever it is, it will still kill or seriously injure you if do one
close to the ground in a glider. Basically it's a low altitude spin in
with no time or height in which to effect a recovery.

Derek Copeland


At 22:32 12 October 2013, Dan Marotta wrote:
I believe that's what we Yanks call a snap roll.


"Del Copeland" wrote in message
...
At 18:43 12 October 2013, son_of_flubber wrote:
On Friday, October 11, 2013 2:31:00 AM UTC-4, Derek C
wrote:
.... we

were told to start with the stick hard back to contain the
speed.

This led to a number of (usually fatal) flick spin
accidents,...

What is a Flick Spin?

The simulation videos here
http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/saf...nch-safety.htm
illustrate Flick
Roll and Spin, but no Flick Spin.


Same thing. Due to rapid pitch up caused by the rotational
couple
effect (line of pull below c of g of glider), plus not controlling
the
rate of rotation, causing the wings to stall and a flick roll can
follow. Mostly a problem associated with powerful winches
and
very rapid acceleration.

Derek Copeland