Silent 2 Electro stalls on steep self-launch climb — uncorrected aft stick input
A Silent 2 Electro crashed on its second self-launch of the day from Wormingford RWY 09; the glider was destroyed and the pilot seriously injured. About 12 s into the takeoff roll the propeller struck the runway. After liftoff the glider climbed shallowly then pitched steeply to ~30 m AGL on an uncorrected aft stick input; airspeed decayed to ~55 km/h. It stalled, rolled left ~90-180° and struck the ground nose-first 230 m NE of liftoff. AAIB cited the uncorrected aft stick input, with the type's light stick forces and poor stall warning contributing.
- Self-launch from Wormingford RW09: Pilot's second self-launch of the day; aircraft is an electric self-launching ultralight glider (FES motor). Previous launch ~2 hours earlier.
- Propeller strike on takeoff roll: ~12 s into the takeoff roll the propeller struck the runway, leaving 11 slash marks. No mechanical damage to flight controls found in subsequent inspection.
- Light stick, poor stall warning: AAIB notes the Silent 2 Electro has low stick forces with low sensory feedback and poor stall warning indications, making the outcome more likely.
- Uncorrected aft stick after liftoff: After liftoff the glider climbed shallowly, then the nose pitched up into a steep climb to ~100 ft AGL — most likely from an excessive aft stick input that was not corrected. AAIB notes likely distraction/workload/stress as factors.
- Stall at ~100 ft AGL: Airspeed decayed to about 30 KTAS at the climb peak; the glider stalled.
- Incipient left roll/spin: The glider rolled left through about 90 to 180° around the vertical axis.
- Nose-first impact 230 m NE of liftoff: Aircraft struck the ground nose-first 230 m northeast of the liftoff point; aircraft destroyed; 71-year-old pilot seriously injured (initially life-threatening). BGA issued a Safety Briefing.