Sad to read about all the fatalities. In about one weeks time it appears that four accidents took 5 lives in our sport. Questions remain as to what happened to the ASW 20. I heard from a trusted source that the pilot of the motor glider may well have suffered a heart attack but that's not for sure yet. There were two crashes that appear to have been associated with simulated tow rope brakes which were with instructor/examiners in the back seat.

Makes me think twice about telling my friends how safe the sport is and inviting them for a ride. My zeal at recruitment of other glider pilots has been tempered somewhat along with my thoughts of becoming an instructor. I know I can take care of myself but I'm not sure I want to be responsible for someone else. Self confidence is great but overconfidence can kill you if you let it.

If nothing else, things like these make me think. Have I done the checklist completely? Do I have a plan in the event of a rope brake or a wave off from tow? Am I paying attention to my altitude on tow? Have I become complacent? The Montana crash and the Poland crash were with instructors so inexperience should not have been much of a factor. We may never know truly what happened in Poland but hopefully the survivor of the Montana crash can shed some light on the situation and remind us all of what to do and what not to do.

Condolences to all involved.

Walt