What happened
On the afternoon of 7 August 2006, an experienced pilot was conducting routine flight operations at Kilkenny Airfield. After successfully completing a glider towing session in a powered aircraft, the pilot prepared to fly a single-seat Pilatus B4 glider, registration EI-121. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility and light clouds.
During the flight, the pilot performed standard maneuvers and eventually transitioned to the landing phase. While on the base leg for Runway 09, the aircraft failed to execute the expected turn onto the final approach. Instead, the glider continued straight, passing through the runway centerline and across the airfield boundary. Witnesses observed the aircraft suddenly adopt a steep nose-down attitude with the wings remaining level. The glider descended rapidly, striking the ground in an open field adjacent to the airfield. The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in 1 fatality.