Slingsby Sport Vega T65D se estrella en aproximación de práctica
El 23 de junio de 2002, el piloto de un Slingsby Sport Vega T65D resultó gravemente herido en un accidente en el aeródromo de Wormingford (Colchester) durante una aproximación de práctica de "final de competición". El planeador descendió por debajo de la línea de árboles y se estrelló en un campo — piloto gravemente herido, aeronave destruida. La investigación reveló problemas con el arnés de sujeción que pudieron contribuir a la gravedad de las lesiones, llevando a la British Gliding Association a pedir mejores directrices de mantenimiento.
- Cross-country return: After a winch launch and cross-country task, the pilot abandoned the planned route near Cambridge and returned direct towards Wormingford Airfield.
- Low-energy finish attempt: The pilot attempted a practice competition finish by crossing the runway at less than 100 feet agl and pulling up for a turn without sufficient speed or height.
- Tailwind and low speed: A tailwind on final gave a misleadingly high groundspeed while the actual airspeed on approach was about 48 kt, below a sensible approach speed for the glider.
- Climb and turn attempt: Instead of aborting and landing further up the airfield, the pilot pulled up and turned left to position for the usual final turn, allowing the tailwind to carry the glider downwind of two tree lines.
- Descent below treeline: With inadequate kinetic and potential energy, the glider failed to gain sufficient height in the turn, descended below the tree line, and could not climb over the trees.
- Impact and breakup: The glider struck the upper branches of the trees, the wings were forced aft and separated from the fuselage, and the inverted fuselage continued into a crop field.
- Crash - serious injury: During the impacts the pilot’s harness buckle failed, he was released from the restraint, sustained serious injuries, and the glider was destroyed.