Sail Plane
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Glider
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 350; Flight Crew Type 350
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Ground Incursion Runway
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
Glider operations were being conducted using Runway 02 for takeoffs and landings into the prevailing wind. After being towed to the nearby hills by the tow plane I experienced electrical failure in my Glider and returned to the airport. I made a 45 degree entrance to the airport followed by downwind; base and final approach legs to Runway 02 landing as the tow plane took off with a glider in tow. Because of the electrical failure I wasn't able to announce my intentions via UNICOM. I rolled to the first taxiway and stopped; exited the glider and pulled it clear of the runway. At this time I noticed a twin turboprop commuter aircraft turning onto Runway 20 and starting takeoff roll. I pulled as far off Runway 02 as I could and held my glider steady as the commuter aircraft rotated upwind of me and passed over and to the left of me at 50 FT altitude. No damage or injuries were experienced by me. In order to avoid future similar occurrences I would recommend that during glider operations at airports all traffic should takeoff into the wind the same as the established glider operations are doing.
Glider pilot reports landing on Runway 2; at an uncontrolled airport; after electrical failure renders his radios inoperative. Runway 2 is currently being used for glider operations and is into the prevailing wind but a commuter turboprop elects to use Runway 20. The reporter pulls his aircraft as far off the runway as possible as the turboprop rotates just prior to the glider.