Grunau sailplane at Sutton Bank.

On the 5th (or 4th, sources vary) of February 1939 this glider was being launched via a launch cable and winch system at Sutton Bank, the glider was propelled along the launch area at speed but the cable failed to disconnect from the nose of the glider as usually happened. The winch operator used an emergency release system where abouts the cable was cut at the winch end. The glider then dragged this cable behind it for a distance, catching it first in telephone wires and then in trees, the glider then pitched forward and nose dived into the ground wrecking it and injuring the pilot. He was taken to Thirsk hospital by ambulance and was treated by Dr H. Addison before being taken to York Hospital. It is though he made a recovery.

Pilot - Mr Harry Hastwell, of Bierley, Bradford, Yorkshire, sustained injuries to his feet and ankles.

He was a fully qualified pilot and had been a member of the gliding club for "some years".