Falcon (3) 195 Hang Glider, No Reg, 28 October 2011
Falcon (3) 195 Hang Glider, no registration
Summary:
The student hang glider pilot was carrying out her first solo aerotow launches, having previously completed a number of tandem training flights. Shortly after lift off, the hang glider rolled to the left and, although an initial weight shift correction was made, continued deviating to the left of the tow direction. The towing pilot and the student hang glider pilot both released from the tow line and the hang glider entered a steep nose down, descending spiral into the ground. The student hang glider pilot received fatal injuries.
No defects were found, with either the tug aircraft or the hang glider, that could have contributed to the accident. However, a number of factors were identified that could have made it more difficult for the student pilot to control the hang glider.
The British Hang Gliding & Paragliding Association (BHPA) has initiated an in-depth review of aerotowing procedures and is also reviewing its audit and inspection processes.
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