The video starts with the right wingtip dragging across rocks, then the ensuing flight path to the right, the right wingtip catching the ground, and the glider cartwheeling into the rocky terrain. This sequence took only 2+ seconds.
I remember a rock striking a glancing blow to my forehead above my right eye. According to the first pilots reaching me, I was unconscious for 5 - 10 seconds. When I came to, I realized I was bleeding and the pilots scrambled to retrieve a first aid kit to help stanch the bleeding. 911 was promptly dialed and instructions were given over the phone. The pilots carried my glider back to the setup area and broke it down and packed it up. Initial damage observed was a broken DT and some sail scuff.
The EMTs arrived and I walked with their assistance to the ambulance while Gary Smith followed in my truck. It was a bumpy ride down the mountain! Into the ER and the first order of business was a CT scan of my head and neck. It was negative, although the ER doc cracked that they found some rocks in my head
. 11 stitches later to seal up the L-shaped gash, I was discharged around 5P and drove the 2.5 hours home with only one lens in my glasses.I am deeply indebted to Gary Smith, Eric Kriner, Rob Skinner, Randy Weber, and Joe from Pittsburgh for their assistance and care in the aftermath. Their quick thinking and actions gave me comfort in what was an upsetting situation to say the least.
What can we learn from this accident? I shouldn't have been flying that day. I did not get enough sleep the night before, and my head was foggy and I just wasn't into it like I normally am. My gut was telling me not to fly, but I didn't listen. Listen to your inner voice. It is usually right.
According to both Gary and Eric, it appeared that I stumbled or tripped. I have always staged the glider at the large rock on the right. I most likely stepped in an erosion gulley/ditch that are present at the lip of the fill. Staging the glider at the large rock puts the pilot closer to the erosion ditches. From now on I recommend all pilots stage further back, ensuring plenty of steps available in the launch run to get airborne before the possibility of tripping/stumbling in an erosion ditch.
Looking at the video, I may have been able to save the launch had I been immediately on top of it when the glider veered right. Or maybe not. We will never know. But what I do know is that lack of sleep on a 60 year old brain really slows down the reflexes and reaction time. What I may have been able to save 20 years ago I can't save today. So it behooves the aged pilot to get plenty of rest in order to be able to perform at the peak of their abilities.
I am taking the glider to Steve Wendt at Blue Sky tomorrow morning for repair of the DT and a full inspection. Once I get the glider back in working condition, I am returning to the training hill at Smithsburg for some serious launching practice. I want to get that feel back again. I plan to take multiple trips to Smithsburg before returning to the mountains. And the first mountain site planned will be the Pulpit. It will be a while before I return to Woodstock.
Bacil
