Club Astir ground-loops on takeoff and strikes a parked golf cart

A Grob Club Astir lost directional control on an aerotow takeoff and its right wing struck a parked golf cart; the glider was substantially damaged and the pilot unhurt. In a 13-knot crosswind the glider drifted left as the tow began and moved out of position behind the towplane; the left wing then dropped to the ground and it began to ground-loop. The pilot released from the tow, and the right wing swung round into the golf cart. The pilot had only about 10 hours on the type and reported no mechanical faults; the probable cause was a failure to maintain directional control on takeoff.

1. Aerotow takeoff roll: During the initial aerotow takeoff roll, the glider began its ground run behind the tow airplane on the grass runway.
2. Drift in crosswind: As the tow began, the glider drifted to the left due to a crosswind and moved out of proper position behind the towplane.
3. Directional control not kept: The pilot did not maintain adequate directional control to keep the glider aligned behind the towplane during the takeoff roll.
4. Wing drop and ground loop: As the tow progressed, the glider’s left wing contacted the ground and the glider began to ground loop, prompting the pilot to release from the towplane.
5. Crash - no injury: During the ground loop the right wing struck a parked golf cart, causing substantial damage to the glider but no injuries to the pilot.