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Old June 21st 13, 01:07 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Bill D
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Default Glider accident while filming commercial in 2011. NTSB Report updated


There are a bunch of troubling things in this report. I have a lot of ground launch (auto tow) time, but it's a bit dated, so maybe I've forgotten. IIRC, our target speeds were on the order of 50MPH or 55MPH in zero wind, not 70. This was with a Grob and 2-33, but I can't imagine that 70 is right.

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From the DG1000 flight manual:
"Recommended winch launch airspeed 110-130 km/h (60-70 kts.)."

Theoretically, the best airspeed for winch launch is that which give the angle of attack for best L/D. With the extra wing loading due to the rope pull, it would certainly be in the 60 - 70 knot range.