Accident Overview
On 17 August 2009, a glider accident occurred on unprepared terrain near the locality of Ciche. The aircraft involved was a SZD-51-1 Junior. The pilot, an 18-year-old male with a total flying time of 130 hours, held a valid license, medical certificate, and necessary ratings. He was engaged in continuous flight training.
Flight Sequence
The pilot was performing a flight as part of a glider competition on a 100 km quadrilateral course. Average lift along the route was 1–2 m/s. After passing the first turn point, the pilot reached the second turn point at an altitude of 500 m. In weak lift, he gained about 600 m, but further thermal conditions prevented continuing the flight. From 500 m, he began searching for a landing field; however, most fields were oriented crosswind. At an altitude just above 300 m, the pilot selected a field aligned with the wind, measuring 200 x 200 m, with no obstacles in the approach area. The field was stubble with swaths. The intended landing was along the swaths.
Approach and Landing
The pilot surveyed the field by entering a downwind position, then performed a 180-degree turn and executed a relatively steep approach. The approach speed was 100–110 km/h. Touchdown occurred in the middle of the field. The glider was unable to stop within the chosen field and rolled across a dirt road separating the fields. As a result of entering furrows in the field, the fuselage structure sustained damage. The pilot sustained no injuries. The glider had an inoperative wheel brake.
Probable Cause and Contributing Circumstances
The accident investigation determined that the cause of the event was improper planning of the approach to landing on unprepared terrain, which led to touchdown in the middle of the chosen field. Contributing circumstances were excessive approach speed (100–110 km/h), too high approach, and an inoperative wheel brake.
Recommendations
No safety recommendations were formulated by the investigation commission.