SZ23 Glider (C-GFMN) – Epilogue

The occurrence flight was part the Air Cadet Gliding Program in Centralia, Ontario. The flight was a cadet familiarization with a pilot and a cadet passenger on board.

After completing pre-takeoff checks and glider hookup procedures, the glider and tow plane departed from Taxiway 34 at Centralia Aerodrome. Shortly after liftoff and approaching the end of Taxiway 34, the glider experienced a premature rope release at approximately 40 feet above ground level.

The pilot conducted a climbing right turn, then turned left towards the end of Taxiway 34. While in a descending left turn, the left wing struck the ground. The glider nose and fuselage contacted the asphalt near the end of Taxiway 34 and the right wing subsequently impacted the ground.

The aircraft sustained very serious damage (B Category), and both occupants received minor injuries.

The investigation determined that the likely cause of the premature release was an improper glider hookup. A nose-down glider position, combined with a perceptual error during glider hookup and the inefficacy of the rope pulling portion of the hookup check contributed to premature release. The investigation determined that the pilot’s reflexive initial actions and loss of situational awareness led to an incorrect emergency response to Rope Break Procedures. Recommendations include changes to training and procedures.