An experienced pilot was killed instantly when his glider was sent cartwheeling across Portmoak airfield in Kinross, an investigation has found.
Mark Dickson crashed during take-off when the right wing of his craft clipped the ground and it spun out of control.
The 49-year-old, an air traffic controller from Troon, was found dead in the upturned cockpit of the Nimbus 3 by a student glider pilot who had helped with the winch launch.
A report by the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) revealed Mr Dickson died of multiple injuries, including a severe head injury.
At the time of the accident, which took place on September 4 last year, he had more than 1,300 hours of glider flying time.
The investigation found Mr Dickson failed to release the winch cable when the wing tip touched the ground, as advised by the British Gliding Association (BGA).
The report stated: “One reason should be considered is the pilot may not have been initially aware his wing tip was on the ground.”
Experts also revealed because of the position of the winch cable release handle, Mr Dickson may not have been able to keep his hand on it and remain in full control of the glider at the same time.
It was recommended the cable release control on gliders be able to be operated at any stage of the launch “without restricting flying control”.