Safety checks recommended after Storrington glider crash

Safety tests were probably not carried out on a glider that crashed in a field, killing the pilot, an investigation has found.

The glider crashed near Hurston Lane in Storrington, West Sussex, shortly before 11:00 BST on 24 September 2022.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the pilot was ejected from the glider and was found 26m (85ft) from the aircraft.

The AAIB said part of the aircraft - the elevator - was not connected.

The elevator is a horizontal surface at the rear of the aircraft which controls the pitch.

"It is unlikely in this case that Positive Control Checks were carried out - these offer the ability to detect a mis-rigging condition before flight," the AAIB said.

The glider made an "aerotow take-off" before it was released at about 90m (300ft) above ground level, the AAIB reported.

It was seen pitching down "at a steep angle" before it disappeared behind trees and hit the ground at high speed.

The pilot was given CPR but died at the scene.

The AAIB has recommended Positive Control Checks be made mandatory.

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