LS 6 b wingstrike during aerotow launch at Elz airfield
An LS 6 b was significantly damaged in a wingstrike at Elz airfield (Germany) during an aerotow launch; the pilot was lightly injured and there was no third-party damage. The pilot released the tow rope shortly after takeoff, suspecting an issue with the elevator. The glider veered left and ground-looped, the wingtip then the nose striking the surface. Weather was favourable with good visibility and light winds. The early release in response to the suspected control problem drove the sequence.
- Aerotow takeoff roll: An LS 6 b glider with 90 kg water ballast began an aerotow launch behind an HK 36 TTC on RWY 07, initially rolling on grass and then aligning on the asphalt.
- Suspected elevator issue: Immediately after liftoff, the glider pilot believed there was a problem with the elevator and decided to abort the tow at low height.
- Early rope release: The pilot released the tow rope about two seconds after becoming airborne at roughly 105 km/h and allowed the glider to touch down on the asphalt runway.
- Left veer and ringelpiez: After touchdown the pilot let the glider veer about 10 degrees left off the runway and, after rolling roughly 200 m at about 90 km/h, deliberately initiated a right 'ringelpiez' ground loop to stop before the runway end.
- Wingtip and nose strike: During the rapid right turn the right wingtip struck the ground, the glider rolled to about 45° bank, the fuselage pitched down, and the nose impacted the ground, severely damaging the cockpit and fuselage.
- Crash - minor injury: The glider came to rest near the eastern end of the runway with substantial structural damage, and the pilot sustained minor injuries.