Executive summary
[No official abstract. The following is derived from the report.] The glider took off on tow with the airbrakes open. At 20 feet after take-off the glider pilot saw the tug aircraft signalling with its rudder and interpreted this as a signal to cast off. He did so, and turned back towards the aerodrome. The tailplane was damaged when the aircraft clipped the fence as it crossed the boundary. When the aircraft came to a halt the pilot realised the brakes were still open. A safety recommendation was made to the President of the New Zealand Gliding Association.
Related Recommendations
Review the existing visual signals in use between tug and glider pilots and re-promulgate the list of standard signals to be used by the pilots of all clubs which are members of the Association in the form of a poster or other aid likely to be a constant reminder to all tug and glider pilots.
Consider introducing a procedure whereby the ground-crew check with the pilot that a glider's airbrakes are locked prior to attaching the cable.