What happened
On May 11, 2011, at approximately 17:31, a pilot launched an SZD-51-1 Junior glider to perform a thermal training flight in accordance with the Polish Gliding Training Program. The flight concluded at 19:30 with a landing on the northwest portion of the active grass runway at Gliwice Airport (EPGL).
While the pilot initially assessed the landing as a touchdown with a loss of energy, an analysis of ground tracks by the Gliwice Aero Club Training Chief indicated that the aircraft failed to properly flare, or the flare was performed too late. This resulted in a hard touchdown that caused the glider to bounce and land a second time after a distance of 13 meters. During the subsequent rollout, the glider traveled 56 meters before the right wing caught the surface, causing the aircraft to pivot approximately 140 degrees to the right before coming to a halt.
The impact caused structural damage to the forward cockpit skin near the rudder pedals and damage to a left wing rib near the auxiliary fitting.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation was initiated based on a report of the incident. The investigation examined the flight path, the ground tracks left by the aircraft, and the resulting structural damage. It should be noted that the commission concluded the investigation based on the initial report because the operator failed to submit a final investigation report or supplementary information despite requests from the commission.