What happened
On July 6, 2011, a student pilot was conducting a training flight at the Szczecin (EPSD) aerodrome. Having recently completed training for a new launch method, the pilot was performing their first winch launch using an SZD-30 Pirat glider. While the student had previously operated this specific aircraft type using aero-tow methods, this flight marked their first winch-assisted departure in the model following a significant hiatus.
The winch operator was notified of the pilot's status and the fact that this was their first flight in the SZD-30 Pirat via winch launch after a long break. Following the start of the tensioning process and a successful ground roll, the glider transitioned into a steep climb, bypassing the standard shallow climb phase. At an altitude of approximately 5 to 8 meters, the glider lost directional control, veering approximately 90 degrees to the right. As the aircraft reached a bank angle of about 40 degrees, the wingtip made contact with the ground, resulting in a collision and a 180-degree rotation of the aircraft. The glider sustained damage, and the pilot sustained light injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the initial climb phase and the transition from the ground roll to the ascent. The investigators examined the sequence of events following the winch launch, specifically looking at the pilot's control inputs and the aircraft's response to the sudden increase in pitch and climb rate.