On Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 9:13:54 AM UTC-6, Mike the Strike wrote:
On Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 7:45:05 AM UTC-7, James Thomson wrote:
At 16:55 22 December 2016, Duster wrote:
This accident is being investigated by the AAIB, but has there been any
eyewitness reports on what might have happened? Initial posting had this
as
a possible winch-related incident?

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=191862

Published to-day:
https://assets.publishing.service.go...f0b652634c6f36
/Schleicher_ASW_24_G-CFNG_02-18.pdf

From the report, it looks as if, after the weak link broke early in the launch, that Matt attempted an abbreviated pattern from below 300 feet in strong wind with rotor and turbulence and stalled/spun in. His three cameras provided lots of data.

The report also says he had enough runway to land straight ahead. Yet another experienced pilot bitten by turbulent conditions near the ground. A sombre message for all of us glider pilots.

Mike

What an incredibly detailed and expert accident report. Given the vast amount of data and eye-witness reports this seems to be the most complete account one can envision. The easy and predictable reaction is: 'why didn't he land straight ahead, I would never have turned to downwind'. For this highly experienced pilot to make such a mistake should give us all pause. A very avoidable winch launch accident with lessons also for us aero-tow pilots. In 1980 in my winch launch training the instructor released at 400' and only if you flew a straight-in landing toward the winch would he let you solo. I'm sure the same is practiced in the UK but human nature seems to nudge us to fly the pattern.
Another question: why go flying in such conditions? Speak up at your club if you feel conditions are unsafe for operations.
Herb