AAIB investigation to LAK-17B FES Mini, G-CLTX
Uncommanded airbrake deployment during winch launch, South Wales Gliding Club, Monmouthshire, 16 August 2025
During a winch launch there was an uncommanded deployment of the glider’s airbrakes. This was not noticed by the pilot, but the aircraft’s sink rate and low airspeed caused him to immediately attempt a landing. His options were limited, the aircraft was too low to avoid a row of trees ahead and risked a stall if the pilot had pitched up to clear them. The aircraft hit the tree tops and was brought to a stop. He was injured in the process and the glider sustained damage. The accident was caused by the airbrake handle becoming unlocked during a minor technical corrective action in the cockpit earlier in the day. The unsafe condition of the handle was not noticed by the pilot. The handle moved rearwards during the winch launch and the airbrakes deployed as a result.
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