Fatality at PGC
Bill Feldbaumer
accident at the Philadelphia Glider Council. The consensus seems to be
that the accident was caused by the tailplane not being properly
connected. A number of suggestions were offered to help avoid this
problem in the future. I think that we all should consider them very
seriously.
There was nothing written, however, about why the accident progressed
to a fatality. Why did the pilot not release the tow rope at the first
signs of controllability problems? Why did he not release the first
time the nose of the sailplane impacted the ground? The reasons might
be related to basic flight instruction.
I strongly believe that student pilots should be taught that they have
two mental and physical tasks at the beginning of a tow. The first is
to place the right hand on the stick and to think about controlling
the sailplane. This is normally done. The second task is to place the
left hand on, not near, the tow release and to be thinking about the
possibility that a release might be necessary in the very near future.
This brings releasing to the forefront of the student's mind and
places him in the position to do it very quickly if necessary. This
degree of consciousness is very different from just having the thought
in the back of his mind that he might have to release someday and will
be able to locate the tow release at that time.
Once the sailplane is clear of the ground and in a normal flight
attitude, the left hand may be removed from the tow release. If a
release is required at altitude, there probably will be enough time
for the release-aware pilot to reach the tow release and respond.
I would like to add further that this procedure has served me well in
the forty years that I have been flying sailplanes. I have avoided a
number of ground loops by being able to release instantly at the first
signs of trouble. There have been some ground loops with serious
consequences at contests. Why did the pilots not release sooner? I am
also confident that if the nose of my sailplane ever started to
balloon radically at the beginning of a tow, I would release
instantly.
THINK RELEASE!
Bill Feldbaumer 09
JJ Sinclair
In a bad accident here in region 11, the pilot cycled the flaps twice trying to
make his LS-6 fly (one flaperon disconnected) He neved did release from tow. I
have also seen some unbelievable tows in contests where the pilot should have
released, but neved did.
At the start of takeoff, THINK RELEASE
JJ Sinclair
James Skydell
left hand should be positioned as a fist, just behind the spoiler
handle. This was published at one point in Soaring Magazine. This
allows one to be quickly ready to deal with spoilers that were not
correctly locked closed prior to take off and pop open, or to be ready
to open spoilers quickly in the event of an early rope break (for a
straight ahead landing).
Both concepts appear to have merit, but the left hand can only be in one
place at a time. Further comments?
Owain Walters
Hi Everyone,
I always teach, and was always tought to have my left
hand near the release and to always think about launch
failures.
Although I can see the logic behind the hand behind
the airbrake argument, it would seem more prudent to
have your hand ready to release at the early stages
as this is when you have least control of the glider.
The airbrakes would have no real effect on the acceleration
at the early stages, not until the airflow was at a
sufficiently low enough pressure to 'suck' the brakes
out.
Have a good weekend.
Owain
At 16:12 20 September 2002, James Skydell wrote:
>I have also heard of the teaching which dictates that
>during launch, the
>left hand should be positioned as a fist, just behind
>the spoiler
>handle. This was published at one point in Soaring
>Magazine. This
>allows one to be quickly ready to deal with spoilers
>that were not
>correctly locked closed prior to take off and pop open,
>or to be ready
>to open spoilers quickly in the event of an early rope
>break (for a
>straight ahead landing).
>
>Both concepts appear to have merit, but the left hand
>can only be in one
>place at a time. Further comments?
>
>Bill Feldbaumer wrote:
>>
Larry Goddard
roll, I "train" myself just before takeoff by moving my hand from the flap
handle to the release ball and back several times so that I get a 'physical
memory' of the position of the knob. That way I can quickly move to the
release knob automatically with hardly looking down at it.
Even if you don't have flaps and keep a fist on your knee, I think this
approach has merit. Practice moving your hand from knee to knob and back
several times. Just a suggestion.
Larry Goddard
"01" USA
Andy Durbin
You don't say what you fly but your email name suggests it's probably
a Ventus. I thought 15m pilots needed the left hand on the flap handle
during takeoff. Perhaps other 15m pilots could comment.
My two standard class ships need my hand on the airbrake handle during
the takeoff roll. I would rather prevent the wing drop than be ready
to abort after it.
I believe many instructors advise against having a hand ON the release
during takeoff and tow because of the possibility of accidental
release.
My ASW-19 and ASW-28 have different locations for the tow release. I
try to remind myself of that before each takeoff.
Andy
ventu...@aol.com (Bill Feldbaumer) wrote in message news:<f401196.02092...@posting.google.com>...
John Gilbert
the release, untill I had a launch go wrong and it
took me a few seconds to locate it and release, which
was nearly too long, fortunatly a crash did'nt occur,
now I always have my fingers lightly holding the knob.
I also see no reason why flapped pilots should not
start with hand on release until the glider is at a
safe speed, it is far easier to locate a big flap
lever when all the control surfaces are working efficiently
than a small knob blocked by full aileron deflection!
Jim
as I gain lots more practice (I hope!), but I've been reluctant to
actually take hold, even lightly, of the tow release during takeoff.
Takeoffs here in the desert are often a little roudy and it has seemed
to me that it would be all too easy to accidently pull on the release
during a ride'em-cowboy kind of takeoff.
I keep my hand near the release, but not actually holding the release.
Doug Haluza
throttle, to prevent it from backing off the full throttle position. The
spoilers/brakes have the same function as the throttle in a powered aircraft
(except you can't use them to climb). So it is probably a good habit to keep
the hand behind the spoilers once past the point where there is insufficient
runway ahead to land (and the glider is under control).
Early in the tow, you can keep your hand on or near the release. An
accidental release at this point is merely an inconvieninece, since you will
have to tow the glider back. Anyone who complains about this can be reminded
that operations would be disrupted a lot more by a failure to release in an
emergency.
I must admit that I don't practice this, since the release in the front of
my Janus is on the left side of the stick, and can only be operated by the
right hand (my left thigh is in the way). Since I fly with my right hand, I
have to switch hands to release. Fortunately, it's right there next to my
leg, so there is no fumbling around looking for the handle.
I also have to move the flap from 0 to +8 once the glider becomes airborne.
I keep my left hand behind the spoilers, then move the flap, and return my
left hand behind the spoilers.
I agree that it is important to teach what to do with both hands. It just
may have to be adapted depending on the cockpit configuration.
P.S. I know there are some gliders that have release handles that are hard
to reach from a reclined seating position (you need to lean forward). If I
recall, the Schweizer 1-35 is one of them. It's possible that in a wild
ride, it may not be possible to lean forward and grasp the handle. Is the
Cirrus like this?
"James Skydell" <sky...@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:3D8B4652...@attbi.com...
OscarCharlie
A year or two ago there was a thread on this news group debating the
likelihood of rope breaks (short hand for premature termination of the tow).
During that discussion I quoted Tom Knauff, "The chances of a rope break
(PTT) are 50/50. It will either happen, or it won't." The empiricists took
exception. What they failed to realize was that Tom's formula was reflective
of a state of mind, the same one you are recommending that we reinforce. If
something doesn't feel right as we begin the tow, we need to be able to
quickly decide to release, stop, and then ascertain what the problem is.
Every mile per hour, every additional foot is unwanted energy if you can't
make the glider respond to your control inputs.
At Tonopah I watched YO release not 10 feet after he started his tow. A wing
was dropping, even though he had full control inputs. He was off tow before
his partially ballasted wing touched the ground. It was the most graceful
PT3 I've ever seen. Given the density altitude, the strength of the tow
planes, and the increasing asymmetry of his ship (as water wandered out to
the wingtip, he couldn't have exercised better judgment as an airman. Of
course, he had just witnessed two other pilots ground loop ahead of him.
Neither got off soon enough, and both broke their gliders.
Good thoughts to take to the gliderport. Thanks again.
"Bill Feldbaumer" <ventu...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:f401196.02092...@posting.google.com...
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Dan Dunkel
> start with hand on release until the glider is at a
> safe speed, it is far easier to locate a big flap
> lever when all the control surfaces are working efficiently
> than a small knob blocked by full aileron deflection!
This is not always true.
Some flapped gliders require both negative flaps and extended spoilers in
order to prevent a wing drop. For instance, I have found that this is
required with the ASW 27. The left hand must start out holding the spoilers
extended, then lock the spoilers, then move the flaps from negative to
positive.
I am also told that this must be done with the PIK 20.
-Dan
Jim H
>my Janus is on the left side of the stick, and can only be operated by the
>right hand (my left thigh is in the way)
>P.S. I know there are some gliders that have release handles that are hard
>to reach from a reclined seating position (you need to lean forward). If I
>recall, the Schweizer 1-35 is one of them. It's possible that in a wild
>ride, it may not be possible to lean forward and grasp the handle.
Doug,
I fly a Jantar that also has a tow release rather far forward. I attached a
ski boot carrier handle to the release handle to make it convenient to reach.
Any quality 1/4" rope and 1/2" dowel with a hole drilled through would work as
well.
I can hold the handle on tow since there is enough slack in the release handle
rope to accomodate most any turbulence. Another added benefit is now my left
hand is positioned just below the spoiler handle, so both are readily
reachable.
See ya' at the ridge!
Jim H.
CFIG
N483SZ
gapagod...@aol.com
Bruce Hoult
"Doug Haluza" <dhaluza...@pipeline.com> wrote:
> I must admit that I don't practice this, since the release in the front of
> my Janus is on the left side of the stick, and can only be operated by the
> right hand (my left thigh is in the way). Since I fly with my right hand, I
> have to switch hands to release. Fortunately, it's right there next to my
> leg, so there is no fumbling around looking for the handle.
hmm. I don't have any trouble operating a Janus release with my left
hand -- and I'm not a small guy.
> I also have to move the flap from 0 to +8 once the glider becomes airborne.
> I keep my left hand behind the spoilers, then move the flap, and return my
> left hand behind the spoilers.
I keep my hand initially on the release, moving to merely near it (to
avoid an unwanted release) once safely in a position from which a
straight-ahead landing is not possible.
Before takeoff I move my hand several times between release, brakes, and
(in the case of the Janus) flaps, so that my hand "knows" where they are.
Our Janus is perfectly well behaved during the takeoff roll with the
flaps in +6, so there's no need for a transition such as you describe,
at least in that particular aircraft.
-- Bruce
F.L. Whiteley
"Jim H" <gap...@aol.comSTOPSPAM> wrote in message
news:20020920211800...@mb-fh.aol.com...
an more than adequate extension. My BGA senior inspector replaced it with
another handle and properly swaged 7/7 cable. Home cooked solutions may
seen okay, but a trained engineer might see something entirely different.
Frank Whiteley
John Gilbert
If you have trouble reaching the release then try
extending it with a piece of cord or similar, it only
takes a few minutes to do and you can have it resting
on your left leg where nothing will stop you getting
to it.
Bill Dean.
to reach.
I have made up two lanyards each with a spliced loop on each end, one loop
to go on the handle, and the other to go round my wrist. These were made
up from cod-line bought from a yacht chandler.
I use the tow handle one for take-off, I always use it when hooking on the
tow-rope. I can then use my left hand on the flaps and trim, when I want
to release I just bring my fore-arm sharply back. All I have to remember
is not to use my left hand to scratch my nose! After release I push the
line into the space in front of the seat.
The wheel brake line is used when landing because the brake is difficult to
reach, especially if the ground is rough and the glider is bouncing about.
I find it gives good progressive control, the wheel-brake works well.
W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
>
> "Jim H" <gap...@aol.comSTOPSPAM> wrote in message
> news:20020920211800...@mb-fh.aol.com...
>
Chris Ruf
Bill
>The second task is to place the
> left hand on, not near, the tow release and to be thinking about the
> possibility that a release might be necessary in the very near future.
Good post, however I do not agree with putting your hand actually on the
release, even very lightly. It think as others have written it is better to
put your hand near it during launch, and practice touching it before the
take off roll.
I have flown from some bumpy runways and the habit of having the hand on the
release would cause early release problems too. Pilots that train on smooth
runways may develop bad habits and get caught off guard when they get
bounced around like I have been on some takeoffs.
I like to rest my left hand on my knee after touching the release to
refamiliarize myself with its location. This technique has worked well as I
have had one actual tow release where I aborted when the underpowered
towplane did not look certain to clear the wires at the end of the runway.
[takes quick hands that adrenaline can help, pull release, the spoiler, and
possibly the flaps while trying to land before the end of the runway]
Chris
Chris Ruf
> to go on the handle, and the other to go round my wrist. These were made
> up from cod-line bought from a yacht chandler.
>
> I use the tow handle one for take-off, I always use it when hooking on the
> tow-rope. I can then use my left hand on the flaps and trim, when I want
> to release I just bring my fore-arm sharply back. All I have to remember
> is not to use my left hand to scratch my nose!
wrist. If you have to bail out via parchute it would be a bad thing to have
a 15m chuck of fiberglass hanging from one arm as you parachute barely slows
your impact.
This could seriously slow down emergency egress.
chris
Dave Nadler "YO"
Here's the note I sent to our local club.
They pay no attention, but it makes me feel better...
Tom Knauf suggests drilling a low-power take-off.
I suggest drilling by yelling RELEASE and watching
how long it takes (before the take-off roll).
=====
Today we had a serious accident during take-off at
Tonopah. A glider ground-looped and hit a motorhome
and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was airlifted to Las
Vegas and will have brain surgery this evening, and
will likely lose an eye. Multiple skull fractures and a
broken jaw. Condition is listed as "stable", but perhaps
with brain damage. (NOTE: pedestrian lost eye).
After you strap in, close your eyes, then grab the
release. Practice it. If *ANYTHING* seems amiss
or if you start to lose control during take-off, RELEASE.
If you stay connected as the glider turns, it will
accelerate wildly, and you're going to hit something
going really fast. Those of you that have flown with
me in the whale have seen me do this, and some
of you have seen why...
Some older gliders have the release on a long floppy
cable. You will NOT be able to grab this in a ground-
loop. And, these older gliders are more prone to
ground-loop. In such a glider, HOLD ON TO THE
RELEASE until you are certain of a safe launch,
then LET GO so you cannot accidentally release.
PLEASE: practice this. Instructors, please drill it.
This was a preventable very serious accident.
It was also the SECOND pilot to ground-loop today,
and NEITHER pilot pulled the release soon enough.
The first ground-loop damaged the glider and he
may be out of the contest. (NOTE: he was crashed out).
Fly safe,
Best Regards, Dave
"OscarCharlie" <fiveni...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3d8b9...@corp-goliath.newsgroups.com...
Ian Johnston
wrote:
: The second task is to place the
: left hand on, not near, the tow release and to be thinking about the
: possibility that a release might be necessary in the very near future.
We used to have a launch signal system in the UK which, by looking for
a hand signal from the pilot, confirmed that the left had was free to
operate the release if required. The current system, alas, does not
make this check and allows the pilot to be scratching, fiddling,
adjusting or GPS-ing as the launch commences. I expect we'll change
back in due course.
Ian
--
Bill Dean.
What is the minimum height for a bale-out? You can take it off your wrist
by then, it will be well past the point where an urgent release is needed.
W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
Rule #1 - Don't collide.
Rule #2 - Fly the ship.
Rule #3 - You've got to land.
Rule #4 - Everything else, have fun.
>
> "Chris Ruf" <greeneg...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
> news:Ao%i9.37625$1C2.1...@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>
> > I have made up two lanyards each with a spliced loop on each end, one
> > loop to go on the handle, and the other to go round my wrist. These
> > were made up from cod-line bought from a yacht chandler.
> >
> > I use the tow handle one for take-off, I always use it when hooking on
> > the tow-rope. I can then use my left hand on the flaps and trim, when
> > I want to release I just bring my fore-arm sharply back. All I have to
> > remember is not to use my left hand to scratch my nose!
>
> Yikes, I do not like the idea of tieing a rope between my glider and my
> wrist. If you have to bail out via parachute it would be a bad thing to
Ian Strachan
Chris Ruf <greeneg...@worldnet.att.net> writes
snip
> I do not agree with putting your hand actually on the
>release, even very lightly. It think as others have written it is better to
>put your hand near it during launch, and practice touching it before the
>take off roll.
>
>I have flown from some bumpy runways and the habit of having the hand on the
>release would cause early release problems too. Pilots that train on smooth
>runways may develop bad habits and get caught off guard when they get
>bounced around like I have been on some takeoffs.
>
>I like to rest my left hand on my knee after touching the release to
>refamiliarize myself with its location.
I agree 100% with the above. Hand near, but not on, the release. I
also rest the left hand on the left knee. The advice above about
knowing where the tow release is so that it can be grabbed quickly, is
very sound.
--
Ian Strachan
Bill Feldbaumer
> Bill,
>
> You don't say what you fly but your email name suggests it's probably
> a Ventus. I thought 15m pilots needed the left hand on the flap handle
> during takeoff. Perhaps other 15m pilots could comment.
>
> My two standard class ships need my hand on the airbrake handle during
> the takeoff roll. I would rather prevent the wing drop than be ready
> to abort after it.
>
> I believe many instructors advise against having a hand ON the release
> during takeoff and tow because of the possibility of accidental
> release.
>
> My ASW-19 and ASW-28 have different locations for the tow release. I
> try to remind myself of that before each takeoff.
>
>
> Andy
Andy
You are correct. I fly a Ventus.
I start my ground roll with the flaps in -1 position and my left hand
on the release handle. I have adequate control after rolling a short
distance. I then quickly change the flap position and return my hand
to the release handle. With ships that need help from the spoilers
during the initial ground roll, the spoilers should be closed and
locked and the left hand should be placed on the release handle as
soon as possible.
I believe it is better to have the left hand on the tow release rather
than near it. The procedure "Release" can be executed more quickely
than the procedure "Find Release" then "Release." In a catastrophic
situation like a disconnected tailplane, the sailplane could gyrate
wildly and subject the pilot to G loads which could throw his left arm
around. It might also confuse and injure the pilot. He might not be
able to execute a two step procedure in time.
I don't know that an inadvertent release in a gust is a real problem
during the ground roll and initian climb out. The left hand can be
removed from the handle once the sailplane is clear of the ground.
Bill
Martin Gregorie
wrote:
>I believe many instructors advise against having a hand ON the release
>during takeoff and tow because of the possibility of accidental
>release.
>
I was taught to be TOUCHING the release during launch but not gripping
it. For instance, in a Junior, which has the release at the top of the
panel, I prop my left elbow on the canopy rail and rest my straight
fingers on the T-bar release. Curling fingers and pulling gives an
immediate release. A similar trick works well for the Pegasus, with
release on leg and fingers resting on release.
I always keep contact with the release for the whole of a winch
launch. For aero tow I maintain contact with the release for the whole
tow unless I need to re-trim once at circuit height - I like a
slightly nose heavy trim for takeoff and initial climb-out. Gear stays
down until release. I haven't yet flown a flapped ship or carried
water.
--
martin@ : Martin Gregorie
gregorie : Harlow, UK
demon :
co : Zappa fan & glider pilot
uk :
Jim Kelly
gripping the release handle" I was towed through a violent gust just
before the fence in which I am sure I would have caused an accidental
release if I were gripping the handle! Those instructions were
immediately burned permanently into my brain . . thanks to our VMFG
instructors!
Jim Kelly.
"Ian Strachan" <I...@ukiws.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:Jc9OuLAH...@ukiws.demon.co.uk...
: In article
:
:
Doug Haluza
for me to reach around my (large) thigh. It is very easy to find and operate
with the right hand. So, my preference is to switch hands on the sitck, and
pull with the right hand.
The manual procedure for the Janus C is to begin the TO roll w/ 0 flap, and
transition to +8. I don't know if this is a change from the 18m Janus due to
the extra 2m of span. That procedure seems to work well, so I stick to it.
"Bruce Hoult" <br...@hoult.org> wrote in message
news:bruce-B84BCB....@copper.ipg.tsnz.net...
BAToulson
<mar...@see.sig.for.address> writes:
>I was taught to be TOUCHING the release during launch but not gripping
>it. For instance, in a Junior, which has the release at the top of the
>panel, I prop my left elbow on the canopy rail and rest my straight
>fingers on the T-bar release. Curling fingers and pulling gives an
>immediate release.
Can I advise caution about this. We operate 3 Juniors and do not train students
to touch the release. As you say, it is very high and it is difficult to
"touch" the release without actually "holding it" as your arm is extended and
thus subject to ground force G loading. (your hand will go down when you hit a
bump!!!).
We had a case some years ago of a pupil doing just what you suggest and when
the glider hit a bump on our grass field, he operated the release
inadvertantly. Instead, the safest option appears to be to place your left hand
on your left leg and, as part of preflight checks, make a clear point on
knowing where the release is.
Barney
Lincolnshire
UK
Janusz Kesik
it looks the best place for it, and there's no danger of subliminal curling
of fingers or pulling it when a bump hits the glider I fly.
Regards,
--
Janusz Kesik
Aeroclub Czestochowa, Poland
jant...@interia.pl
http://www.soaring.enter.net.pl
Martin Gregorie
I do appreciate what you're saying. We also operate off grass with one
or two 'interestingly' rough spots. I'm rigorous about keeping my
fingers straight and have had no problems with bumps. Putting my elbow
on the canopy rail helps a lot here by eliminating almost all the
G-loading on my extended arm.
OTOH I've been very glad to have my hand so close to the release on
occasion. One incident comes to mind - a bad snatch that left me at 20
feet in level flight (essentially gliding) with the droque actually
dragging on the ground and the (fast) return of power very imminent.
There was no way I wanted to be still on the cable when the next
snatch came! The cause of the problem was a combination of newish
winch driver, a new and springy cable and incorrect cam shape in the
throttle linkage following an engine change.
I've also thought about the consequences of inadvertent release vs.
touching the handle. I decided that I'm not that concerned about an
inadvertent release while the glider is still on the ground. My
reasoning is that its little different from a snatch+back release
under the wheel or a cable pop-off; a nuisance rather than a potential
hazard. However, I'd be really interested to hear your arguments
against this view.
Roger Druce
My experience with the Janus B and C variants as to flap handling on
take-off is as follows:
There is no significant difference between the take-off behaviour and
related flap use between the fixed undercarriage B (18.2 m) and the fixed
undercarriage C variants (20m). Take-off in 0 flap works fine because the
ailerons are broad chord and have good lateral authority. No need to go to
+8 flap unless water is being carried and you need to lift more weight off
the ground. I keep in the back of my mind that there may be some extreme
cross-wind circumstance where negative flap is wise as the start flap
setting.
The retractable undercarriage Janus CE variant has the mainwheel projecting
out further, so the wing sits at a higher angle with the glider on the
ground. The result is less aileron authority in 0 flap setting and thus if
the wind is strong, or strong crosswind, negative flap is what I personally
use at the start of the launch.
In a violent 180 ground loop with a belly release aerotowed Janus B, I never
got my hand to the release handle despite having my hand close. So with the
Janus, I always start with hand on release handle for the initial ground run
and then move it off the handle in case of take-off bumps or gusts.
Just my 5 cents worth.
roger Druce
"Doug Haluza" <dhaluza...@pipeline.com> wrote in message
news:Rktj9.21858$7J2.5...@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net...
Doug Haluza
drag to help keep the rope taught. When towing with the CG hook, it will
back release if a loop develops in the rope. After reaching a safe height, I
go back to 0 on the flap as long as the tow pilot is towing fast enough.
There is a noticeble improvement in climb rate.
If the tow isn't fast enough, the glider tends to "wallow" and descend into
the wake at 0 flap, but will tow OK with +8.
"Roger Druce" <rogdruceDEL...@melbpc.org.au> wrote in message
news:an62qk$8g0$1...@possum.melbpc.org.au...