What happened
On June 28, 2011, a pilot participating in the IX National Gliding Competitions in Leszno was conducting a flight when thermal lift ceased. While flying at an altitude of approximately 550 meters over the town of Ruda, the pilot decided to perform a landing in an unprepared field. The pilot communicated the intention to land via radio to another glider nearby.
The flight plan involved circling the chosen landing site and approaching the field diagonally, aiming to land at the edge of the field, just beyond a cornfield. At approximately 15:07 LMT, the SZD-48-3 Jantar Std 3 touched down on a field covered in mown grass, roughly 40 meters from the field's boundary. During the landing roll, the glider exited the field and entered a ditch located between adjacent fields. This sudden deceleration caused significant damage to the aircraft, including the separation of the rudder.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the sequence of the landing approach and the terrain conditions at the end of the landing strip. The investigation examined the pilot's decision-making process following the loss of thermals and the physical path of the aircraft from touchdown to the point of impact in the ditch.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the landing with a fly-through (landing with significant forward momentum through the site).
- A terrain obstacle located at the end of the landing roll contributed to the sudden stop.
- The presence of a tall cornfield near the landing area served as a contributing factor, as it influenced the approach and visibility.