What happened
On July 8, 2006, a Rolladen-Schneider Flugzeugbau LS7-WL glider, registration LN-GIR, was engaged in a cross-country flight departing from Fagernes Airport Leirin (ENFG). The pilot, an experienced glider pilot with ten years of experience, was performing a local flight that transitioned into a cross-country attempt. During the flight, the pilot encountered varying levels of lift and sink, eventually losing significant altitude while navigating through mountainous terrain.
As the aircraft's altitude decreased, the pilot realized the possibility of an off-field landing was increasing. However, the pilot did not finalize a landing site while still at a safe altitude. While searching for a suitable field, the pilot encountered obstacles such as power lines, trees, and uneven terrain. The aircraft eventually flew too low to safely reach the airport or execute a controlled landing. While attempting to navigate a narrow riverbed, the left wing struck a tree, causing the aircraft to roll and dive into the riverbed. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, though the pilot escaped the wreckage unharmed.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the flight path, the pilot's training background, and the organizational practices of the Valdres Flyklubb. The investigation focused on why the pilot was unable to return to the airport and why an appropriate landing site was not selected earlier in the flight. The investigation also reviewed the club's training curriculum regarding off-field landings and cross-country flight procedures.
Findings
- The pilot's insufficient training in cross-country flight and off-field landings contributed to the inability to return to the airport and the failure to prepare for an emergency landing while altitude was still sufficient.
- The pilot's flight planning lacked adequate margins regarding distance and altitude relative to the home airport.
- The Valdres Flyklubb lacked a formal training program for cross-country flying and had not established a list of pre-approved off-field landing sites.
- The pilot's decision-making was compromised by the lack of a predetermined landing plan, leading to a search for suitable terrain at dangerously low altitudes.
Safety action
- The NSIA recommended that Valdres Flyklubb implement mandatory training requirements for cross-country and off-field landing procedures before members are permitted to fly such missions.
- The club was advised to pre-define and approve specific areas for off-field landings to assist pilots in emergency situations.
- A recommendation was made to the Norwegian Gliding Association (NLF) to consider including theoretical instruction for water landings in the glider pilot certification program.