On Mon, 3 May 2004 10:05:14 +0300, "iPilot"
wrote:

In May 1-th - the day we got in to the EU - a Blanik broke in the middle of the flight. Possible
reason - overspeed on spin exit. Possible cause for overspeed - not known yet. Pilot exited, but too
low and parachute had no time for opening. Sad story with sad ending. We have one glider pilot and
one of our best kept Blaniks less.

I was in the air with Blanik as well in the same day in another club (my Jantar was sitting on the
ground, waiting for eleron repair). The day was fantastic. Cloudbase 7500 ft and usual lift was 8-10
knots. Something better can hardly be found in Estonia.


Regards,
Kaido
www.purilend.ee



We had one of those with a Blanik in Australia a few years ago, two
fatal. Spin training, no parachutes being worn. Story is the spin
turned to spiral, overspeed, fuselage bent/twisted preventing control.
Glider shed major parts on way down before hitting ground.

Mike Borgelt