AAIB Report: Schleicher ASW 20 L (G-CFRW), Fatal accident, 24 September 2022
Shortly after an aerotow takeoff, a Schleicher ASW 20 L (G-CFRW) struck the ground in a fatal accident near Pulborough, West Sussex on 24 September 2022.
Image: Images at the accident site showing that the L’Hotellier ball and cup were not connected
Shortly after an aerotow takeoff, the glider released the tow at approximately 300 ft above ground level. Then, G-CFRW pitched down rapidly and struck the ground in a nose low attitude at high speed. The pilot was ejected from the aircraft during the accident sequence and was found 26 m from the aircraft and had sustained fatal injuries.
An on-site inspection of the aircraft revealed that the elevator was not connected to the elevator control rod. It is unlikely in this case that Positive Control Checks were carried out – these offer the ability to detect a mis-rigging condition before flight.
Two Safety Recommendations have been made. The first is to mandate Positive Control Checks and the second is to amend the Flight and Operations Manual to include relevant information on the limitations of pitch control using flaps.
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