Unlatched handle deploys an LAK-17B's airbrakes on the winch launch
The pilot of an LAK-17B FES was seriously injured when the airbrakes deployed uncommanded on a winch launch and the glider hit trees; it was substantially damaged. The airbrake handle had been left unlatched after a minor cockpit adjustment and was not spotted before flight; on the launch it moved back and the brakes opened. After releasing at the top of the climb the pilot saw a high sink rate and low airspeed; a radio warning from the ground went unheard. Lowering the nose had little effect; now low, he turned back but could not clear trees on a downwind base leg. The glider struck the treetops and came to rest lodged about 5 m up.
- Winch launch, brakes deploy: On a winch launch the LAK-17B's airbrakes deployed uncommanded, unnoticed by the pilot.
- Handle left unlatched: The airbrake handle had been left unlatched after a minor cockpit adjustment and was not caught before flight; it slid back on the launch.
- Sink and low airspeed: After releasing at the top of the climb, the pilot saw a high sink rate and low airspeed; a ground radio warning went unheard.
- Too low to reach the field: Lowering the nose gave little airspeed; now low, he turned back but could not clear a line of trees on a downwind base leg.
- Lodged in the treetops: The glider struck the treetops and came to rest lodged about 5 m up; the pilot was seriously injured and the glider substantially damaged.