Sad News

My condolences...
Just another spoiler accident:
Last month (08.08) an IS29D2 preparing for xc took off with deployed
spoilers. The tow pilot noticed it and tried to inform the pilot (there
was no radio). The pilot didn't closed the spoilers and at the end the
glider was released right over the airport. The pilot realized the
higher than expected sink rate and tried to glide to the nearest thermal
where other gliders were circling. At half distance he realized that he
couldn't make it. Still not aware about the opened spoilers!! Turned
back to the airport and because of the reduced l/d hit some buildings
and finally landed on a road. There was no traffic on this road at that
time...

/Janos

For the past 20 years, I have made it a practice to take a look at the spoilers
at about 500 feet on takeoff. It's easy, doesn't take a second. I am also
reassured to see that the wings are still on. How are you Disci drivers doing?
Are they still grounded?
JJ Sinclair

I do the same, only immediately after takeoff, before I have to make
an off field landing decision if I have a tow emergency. Don't even
need to check both wings. Just a quick look to left or right. Also
helps to touch the spoiler handle with a finger or two at the same
time.

There was a previous thread. A search on spoilers, take-off, rope
break should pull it up.

(JJ Sinclair) wrote in message ...
For the past 20 years, I have made it a practice to take a look at the spoilers
at about 500 feet on takeoff. It's easy, doesn't take a second. I am also
reassured to see that the wings are still on. How are you Disci drivers doing?
Are they still grounded?
JJ Sinclair

I have noticed several occurrences with either the spoilers, the gear or a
combination of those. Came up with a nice solution for our new Ventus 2cxT.
Have a look at http://home.wxs.nl/~kpt9/gear.htm

Karel Termaat
NL

"Janos Bauer" schreef in bericht
...


My condolences...
Just another spoiler accident:
Last month (08.08) an IS29D2 preparing for xc took off with deployed
spoilers. The tow pilot noticed it and tried to inform the pilot (there
was no radio). The pilot didn't closed the spoilers and at the end the
glider was released right over the airport. The pilot realized the
higher than expected sink rate and tried to glide to the nearest thermal
where other gliders were circling. At half distance he realized that he
couldn't make it. Still not aware about the opened spoilers!! Turned
back to the airport and because of the reduced l/d hit some buildings
and finally landed on a road. There was no traffic on this road at that
time...

/Janos