Ground loop during winch launch, PZL-Bielsko SZD-51-1 "Junior", PH-934, Lemelerveld glider airfield
Status :
Closed
As the sole occupant of the Junior, the pilot was ready for a winch launch. After the glider had started its takeoff and the wing walker had let go of the wing tip, the wings were horizontal. After approximately 10 metres, the left-hand wing moved downwards. The wing tip then got caught in the grass causing the aircraft to make a ground loop whereupon it came to rest upside down. The pilot reported not having noticed that the tip had touched the ground; he had released the winch cable when he saw the right-hand wing tip rising. The pilot suffered minor injuries. The aircraft suffered severe damage.
More information can be found in our Quarterly Aviation Report Q2 2023.
