May 3, 2006, Aguila, Ariz. / Schweizer SGS 1-26D

At about 1430 Mountain time, the glider collided with terrain during takeoff. The Private pilot and sole occupant sustained fatal injuries; the glider was substantially damaged. The tow pilot subsequently stated that, with the towplane at about 40 feet agl and the glider airborne, the glider assumed a severe pitch-up attitude. The tow rope separated and the glider climbed to about 150 feet agl. The glider stalled, making a right turn while descending toward terrain....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A glider collided with terrain during takeoff, resulting in fatal injuries to the private pilot and substantial damage to the aircraft.
  • The accident occurred after the glider, at 40 feet AGL, assumed a severe pitch-up attitude, causing the tow rope to separate.
  • The glider then climbed to approximately 150 feet AGL before stalling, entering a right turn, and descending into the terrain.
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At about 1430 Mountain time, the glider collided with terrain during takeoff. The Private pilot and sole occupant sustained fatal injuries; the glider was substantially damaged. The tow pilot subsequently stated that, with the towplane at about 40 feet agl and the glider airborne, the glider assumed a severe pitch-up attitude. The tow rope separated and the glider climbed to about 150 feet agl. The glider stalled, making a right turn while descending toward terrain.

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