LS 1-c pilot releases stick to lock canopy on aerotow, hits runway
An LS 1-c was substantially damaged at Saanen (Switzerland) during an aerotow takeoff; the pilot was uninjured. He held 2,212 hours total including 1,424 on type, with about 53 hours flown in the prior 90 days. During the ground roll on aerotow he let go of the controls to lock the canopy, which had not been latched before takeoff. With no one on the stick the glider struck the runway and the fuselage was substantially damaged. The unlatched canopy and the decision to release the controls in mid-roll to deal with it sat at the centre of the sequence.
- Aerotow ground roll ~12:30 LT: At about 12:30 LT on 15 July 2014 the pilot began an aerotow takeoff in an LS 1-c at Flugfeld Saanen (LSGK). He held a glider licence with about 2,212 hours total, 1,424 of them on the LS 1-c; in the prior 90 days he had flown about 53 hours overall and 52 on the type — high currency on this specific aircraft.
- Canopy unlocked at start: The canopy had not been latched before takeoff was started. With the canopy unsecured the pilot would normally have needed to release the takeoff and re-secure on the ground; instead the situation developed during the ground roll.
- Pilot releases stick to lock canopy: During the aerotow ground roll the pilot let go of the flight controls in order to lock the canopy. With no input on the stick the aircraft's attitude on the ground was no longer being controlled.
- Glider hits runway: Unattended on the controls during the ground roll, the LS 1-c struck the runway surface.
- Substantial fuselage damage: The fuselage of the LS 1-c was substantially damaged in the impact. The pilot was uninjured.