Blanik überzieht in tiefer Umkehrkurve nach Schleppabbruch wegen offener Bremsklappen

Der Passagier vorn in einer Blanik L-13 wurde schwer verletzt, der Fluglehrer blieb unverletzt, als das Segelflugzeug bei Cortebert in tiefer Kurve überzog; es wurde zerstört. Beim Einführungsflug waren die Bremsklappen vor dem Schlepp nicht verriegelt und öffneten sich nach dem Abheben. Das Segelflugzeug stieg nicht; Funkwarnungen blieben auf überlasteter Frequenz ungehört. Vor Hindernissen klinkte der Schlepppilot aus. Statt links geradeaus zu landen, drehte der Pilot tief nach rechts, verlor Fahrt und überzog. Ursache war der Strömungsabriss in tiefer Kurve; eine 8 kg unter dem Minimum liegende Vordersitzlast verstärkte den Fahrtverlust.

1. Aerotow takeoff: During an aerotow departure from Courtelary, the Blanik began its initial climb behind the Robin towplane.
2. Airbrakes not locked: Because the pre-takeoff check of the airbrake locking was incomplete, the glider launched with the airbrakes not properly locked, leading to their inadvertent deployment shortly after liftoff.
3. Low front seat weight: The load on the front seat, including passenger and parachute, was about 8 kg below the prescribed minimum, adversely affecting handling at low speed.
4. Radio warnings missed: Multiple urgent radio calls from the tow pilot and ground personnel about the extended airbrakes were not recognized by the glider pilot due to a congested frequency and his focus on the poor climb.
5. Towplane releases glider: Approaching Cortebert with obstacles ahead and unable to climb adequately with the glider’s airbrakes extended, the tow pilot performed an emergency release of the glider.
6. Low-altitude turn stall: After release, the glider pilot initiated a right 180-degree turn at low height, during which airspeed decayed rapidly and the glider stalled instead of landing straight ahead in available fields.
7. Crash - serious injury: The stalled glider descended into a field near Cortebert, seriously injuring the front-seat passenger, leaving the pilot uninjured, and destroying the aircraft.