Ventus CT crash during winch launch at Lüsse results in fatality
On July 29, 2002, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus CT motor glider crashed during a winch launch at Sonderlandeplatz Lüsse in Germany. The aircraft entered a steep climb shortly after takeoff, leading to a stall and subsequent crash. The pilot, who had significant experience, was fatally injured in the accident. Weather conditions were generally favorable, but the high temperature may have contributed to operational challenges. The investigation found no technical faults with the aircraft or winch equipment.
- Winch launch takeoff: The Ventus CT motor glider began a winch launch from runway 07 for a thermalling flight.
- Excessive climb angle: Shortly after lift-off, the pilot established a steep climb attitude that was too great for the winch tow speed.
- Low tow airspeed: Witnesses observed that the winch tow speed was noticeably low during the initial climb, reducing the safety margin above stall speed.
- No pitch correction: The pilot continued the winch climb without reducing the pitch attitude despite the low tow speed.
- Stall and wing drop: At about 30 m height the airspeed fell below stall speed, the glider stalled and rolled off over the left wing.
- Crash - fatal: The motor glider impacted the ground with a steep nose-down attitude, was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries.