N37VV

On July 29, 1997, at 1330 central daylight time, a Schleicher ASW-20 glider, N37VV, registered to and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff near Briggs, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the glider, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. A flight plan was not filed for the local personal flight that was originating from the 4,500 foot turf airstrip at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that he was attempting an automotive tow, from the south end of runway 16, at Faultline Flyers Gliderport, near Briggs, Texas. During the tow, the "initial takeoff roll was uneventful." The pilot stated that "I achieved airspeed to get aileron control, but not sufficient speed to get elevator control for takeoff." The right wing contacted some tall grass on the side of the runway which "caused a ground loop," and the glider's "nose caught the ground." The glider came to rest inverted.

At the time of the accident, the commercial pilot has accumulated a total of 4,365 hours, of which 3,262 were in gliders, with 1,450 in the same make and model.

The pilot reported that the weather at the time of the accident was clear sky and unlimited visibility with light and variable winds.

The pilot reported that the nose of the glider separated from the aircraft. The canopy, wings, and tail sections of the glider sustained structural damage.

The pilot stated in the recommendation block of the enclosed NTSB form 6120.1/2, that this accident could have been prevented if the pilot would have released early when the tow [plane] was not providing adequate speed/acceleration.