Keep your hand off the release handle during aero tows!

On Sunday, October 6, 2013 2:53:16 AM UTC-6, Don Johnstone wrote:

http://www.aaib.gov.uk/cms_resources...NN%2006-13.pdf

There are so many bonehead screw-up's in this report it makes one want to cry.

A few:

1. Not staging the glider so it points exactly at the winch.
2. A VERY long, slow, wobbly takeoff roll despite a 15kt headwind component..
3. A failure of the launch crew to stop the launch when a wing went down.
4. Not releasing when it was clear the ground roll wasn't precisely normal.

A dry Nimbus 3 launching into a 15 knot wind would likely have aileron control BEFORE the roll began and should have been airborne in around one second after rolling about a glider length. Obvious point: Once airborne, there's no danger of dragging a wing.

At least you Brits are good at writing accident reports.