Accident Summary
On February 7, afternoon, pilot attempted launching an Atos rigid wing from Regionals. Witness states that the left wing started rising which caused the right wing tip to contact the ground. The pilot was unable to lift the right tip off the ground and the launch motion caused the wing to ground loop. The wing never became full airborne.
Conditions
The mid afternoon conditions at recorded at Marshall were 5 to 10 knots south and southeast through the afternoon. The witness stated that at Regionals the wind was light at south and southwest.
Emergency response
None
Injuries
None
Damage
Extensive, likely impractical to repair.
Pilot involved
The witness did not know his name, but stated that he is a long time HG pilot from the local area. Witness knew him to the extent that his experience and ratings were appropriate for the Atos.
Root Cause
Pilot did not control the wing during takeoff run
Proximate Cause
With no direct contact with the accident pilot, it is only conjecture, but based on this accident and another the same day, it is likely the pilot wasn’t cautious of the light and switching wind and did not run aggressively enough for the lighter than usual conditions.
Corrective action
During light conditions perform a personal brief to run aggressively
.
