ASG 32 familiarization — airbrake/flap lever confused, hard landing on flare
An ASG 32 was substantially damaged on a second familiarisation flight at Montricher (LSTR, Switzerland); both occupants were uninjured. The pilot, with 0:34 h on type and an aeroplane background new to flapped gliders, flew with an instructor on board. On final, intending the airbrakes, the pilot operated the adjacent flap lever and set flaps to L. Without airbrakes the approach grew long and fast, and after about two-thirds of runway the instructor extended airbrakes. During the flare at about 1 m the flap lever, likely held rather than latched, was released, flaps retracted, and the glider sank hard, failing the gear.
- 2nd ASG 32 familiarization flight: Pilot (SPL, 250 h total, 0:34 h on ASG 32, aeroplane background and new to flapped gliders) with FI(S) instructor on board, VFR landing at Montricher.
- Adjacent left-side levers: The airbrake and flap controls sit close together on the left side, with similar handle shapes.
- Airbrake/flap lever confusion: On final the pilot, intending to deploy airbrakes, operated the flap lever and set flaps to position L.
- High/fast approach, no airbrakes: Without drag from airbrakes, speed and approach length grew; the pilot did not visually verify control selection.
- Instructor extends airbrakes: After about two-thirds of the runway was overflown the instructor recognized the situation and extended the airbrakes.
- Flap lever released in flare: At about 1 m height the flap lever — likely held rather than latched in L — was released, causing sudden flap retraction and rapid sink.
- Hard landing, gear failure: Landing gear failed and the airframe was substantially damaged; both occupants uninjured.