Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's incorrect pitch and roll rate control inputs which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and incipient spin at a low altitude.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that during a simulated glider tow rope break emergency procedure, the student pilot did not enter the correct control inputs, and the glider stalled and entered an incipient spin. The flight instructor arrested the spin, and was confronted with power line wires. The flight instructor stated that he, "immediately applied down elevator diving under the power lines." The glider impacted the terrain and trees. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The flight instructor reported that during a simulated glider tow rope break emergency procedure, the student pilot did not enter the correct control inputs, and the glider stalled and entered an incipient spin. The flight instructor arrested the spin, and was confronted with power line wires. The flight instructor stated that he, "immediately applied down elevator diving under the power lines." The glider impacted the terrain and trees. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.