El Slingsby T21 con motor de sustentación se accidenta en toma exterior tras extraviarse

Un Slingsby T21 con motor de sustentación quedó destruido en un aterrizaje violento sobre campo arado en pendiente; ambos ocupantes con heridas leves. Lanzado con remolque por automóvil, no encontró ascendencias y el motor funcionó a casi plena potencia todo el vuelo. La tripulación se extravió por completo y, tras unos ochenta minutos, el escaso combustible obligó a aterrizar. Sin mejor opción, el piloto eligió un campo con un camino estrecho, pero advirtió demasiado tarde su fuerte pendiente. Una motorada al aire falló, pues el motor no pudo remontar, y el planeador golpeó el suelo de morro bien antes del camino. Las alas se desprendieron.

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.