BGD statement regarding Anthony Vella's Accident

We were very saddened to hear about the accident of experienced US pilot Anthony Vella, which was brought to our attention on the day it occurred, 22nd April. Anthony was flying a serial Luna 3, and was recording his flight on video. We have been in constant communication with Anthony since the accident, and believed it was right to wait until we had looked in detail at the evidence of the incident and for Anthony to recover from surgery before making this statement.

We would like to thank Anthony for agreeing for us to publish this image from his cameras. His photographic evidence shows a significant knot shortening the D lines by several centimetres. This knot was visible from launch up to the time the glider collapsed.

BGD would like to reiterate the importance of checking your glider’s lines for knots as part of your pre-flight checks. Flying a glider with knots in the lines will affect the airworthiness of the glider. BGD would like to reassure our customers the Luna 3 has been through rigorous testing in its standard configuration and we are very proud of this glider.

If you notice a knot in your glider’s lines after you have pulled the canopy up, if you can safely abort the launch, then do so. If you are already airborne, then avoid accelerating the glider and do not use deep brake inputs. Use weightshift or minimal brake inputs to steer the glider to a safe landing place as soon as possible.

Knots can cause issues at low and high speeds, so pilots are advised to exercise extreme caution.

BGD wishes Anthony a speedy and complete recovery.

Bruce and the BGD Team