Slingsby T21 sustainer engine outlanding after disorientation near Farforth, Lincolnshire

On November 16, 1991, a Slingsby T21 glider equipped with a sustainer motor performed an outlanding near Farforth, Lincolnshire. The flight, which began with a car-tow launch from East Kirby, encountered no rising air and the engine was used at near full power. The pilots became disoriented and, as fuel ran low, attempted a precautionary landing on a ploughed field. The glider struck the ground heavily, resulting in the detachment of the wings and severe damage to the cockpit. Both crew members sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized overnight.

1. Car-tow departure: The modified Slingsby T21 was car-tow launched from East Kirby in calm winds and hazy conditions with layered cloud.
2. No lift, fuel low: After about eighty minutes of flight with no rising air and the sustainer engine run near full power, the fuel supply became low, forcing a decision to land while still lost.
3. Navigation disorientation: During the extended powered flight the pilots became completely lost and had no two-way radio or external assistance.
4. Poor field selection: With only ploughed fields available, the pilot selected a field with a narrow path as the intended landing area, providing a marginal and constrained landing option.
5. Late slope recognition: Only late in the approach did the pilot realise that the chosen landing area had a significant downslope and he attempted a go-around using the sustainer engine.
6. Insufficient go-around power: The sustainer engine did not provide enough power for a go-around from the downslope approach, and the glider descended uncontrollably toward the ploughed field.
7. Crash - minor injury: The glider struck the ground heavily in a nose-low attitude some distance from the path, destroying the aircraft and causing minor injuries to both occupants who were hospitalised overnight.