ASK 21 wingstrike during winch launch at Fischbek results in minor injury and aircraft damage
On August 8, 2009, an ASK 21 experienced a wingstrike during a winch launch at Fischbek airfield in Germany. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when the left wing contacted the ground, causing the aircraft to rotate and briefly lift off before impacting the ground. The glider sustained significant structural damage, particularly to the front fuselage and tail section, and the canopy was destroyed. One person on board suffered minor head injuries. The investigation noted that a dislodged sleeve in the elevator linkage was not a contributing factor to the accident.
- Winch launch ground roll: The ASK 21 began a winch launch from runway direction 120 with two persons on board at Fischbek airfield.
- Left wing contacts ground: During the initial ground roll, the glider's left wingtip touched the ground.
- Yaw and brief liftoff: Following the wingstrike, the glider rotated violently around the vertical axis, briefly became airborne, and turned about 150 degrees.
- Low-height nose impact: From a height of about 2 m, the glider impacted the ground with the forward fuselage at an estimated 30–45° pitch attitude approximately 130 m from the launch point.
- Crash - minor injury: The glider came to rest on the airfield about 130 m from the start point with severe structural damage and a destroyed canopy, and one occupant sustained minor head lacerations.