DG-500 drops a wing on the winch ground roll and hits a fence

A DG-500 two-seat trainer was substantially damaged on a dual instructional winch launch when its left wing dropped on the ground roll and it ran off the runway into a fence. As the wing runner let go, the left wing sank to the ground about 10 m on and the glider veered left at about 60 km/h, most likely because too little aileron was applied against a gust from the right. The pilot in the back, already holding the release, let go at once — averting a cartwheel — and applied full right control, brakes and airbrakes, but the glider still ran off the left side and its wing struck a fence post. Neither occupant was hurt.

1. Dual instructional winch launch: On a dual instructional winch launch from grass, an FI-course trainee flew from the back seat with a student in front.
2. Wing drops in a right gust: As the wing runner let go, the left wing sank to the ground about 10 m on, most likely from too little aileron against a gust from the right.
3. Veer left at ~60 km/h: The glider began veering left at about 60 km/h as the wing dug in.
4. Immediate cable release: The pilot, already holding the release, let the cable go at once — averting a cartwheel — and applied full right control, brakes and airbrakes.
5. Runs into a fence: The glider still ran off the left side and its left wing struck a perimeter-fence post; substantially damaged, neither occupant was hurt.