ASW 27-18E enters tightening spiral and impacts at high speed; cause unresolved
A Schleicher ASW 27-18E soaring about 7 km west of Lasham (UK) at about 1,200 m MSL crashed into a corn field at more than 190 km/h; the pilot was fatally injured and the glider destroyed. The pilot was experienced but had only about 3 hours on type and had planned a sustainer-engine practice. The glider began a gentle descent that tightened into a left spiral with descent rates over 36 m/s; witnesses heard the engine running with a stuttering sound. No technical failure was found. The pilot had a family cardiac history and recent palpitations, and in-flight incapacitation could not be ruled out as the underlying cause.
- Aerotow and climb: After an apparently normal aerotow from Lasham and release around 2,000 ft agl, the pilot thermalled and climbed to about 3,920 ft before beginning a descent.
- Sustainer engine practice: In accordance with her pre-flight plan, the pilot apparently started the glider’s sustainer engine for practice during the soaring phase shortly before the accident.
- Possible medical issue: The pilot had a family history of cardiac problems and reported heart palpitations two weeks before the flight; in-flight cardiac incapacitation could not be ruled out.
- Uncontrolled steep descent: After the engine ran, flight-track data showed the glider entering a tightening turn with descent rates exceeding 7,000 fpm, consistent with loss of control or pilot incapacitation.
- Near-vertical spiral: Ground witnesses saw the glider nose-down, spiralling or steeply descending with engine noise, with no apparent recovery before it disappeared from view near the ground.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the ground at a speed in excess of 100 kt near Moundsmere, was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.