Aterrizaje en campo del Slingsby T21 tras desorientación cerca de Farforth, Lincolnshire
El 16 de noviembre de 1991, un planeador Slingsby T21 equipado con un motor de sustentación realizó un aterrizaje en campo cerca de Farforth, Lincolnshire. El vuelo, que comenzó con un remolque por automóvil desde East Kirby, no encontró aire ascendente y el motor se utilizó casi a plena potencia. Los pilotos se desorientaron y, al agotarse el combustible, intentaron un aterrizaje preventivo en un campo arado. El planeador impactó fuertemente contra el suelo, lo que provocó el desprendimiento de las alas y graves daños en la cabina. Ambos tripulantes sufrieron heridas leves y fueron hospitalizados durante la noche.
- Car-tow departure: The modified Slingsby T21 was car-tow launched from East Kirby in calm winds and hazy conditions with layered cloud.
- 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.
- Navigation disorientation: During the extended powered flight the pilots became completely lost and had no two-way radio or external assistance.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.