What happened
On April 28, 2013, a licensed glider pilot was conducting a standard thermal training flight near the EPGI aerodrome. During the approach, the pilot reported their position at an altitude of 400 meters over the airfield markers. As part of the landing procedure, the pilot extended the landing gear and verified the position of the landing gear release lever.
The pilot proceeded to perform a standard four-turn landing pattern, reporting positions for the downwind and straight-in legs. However, during the landing roll, the landing gear retracted spontaneously. The aircraft completed the landing with the gear in the retracted position. A subsequent external inspection of the SZD-42-2 Jantar 2B revealed structural damage, specifically a crack in the lower fuselage skin and the separation of a semi-frame element located beneath the seat pan.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical sequence of the landing gear deployment and the pilot's actions during the approach. The inquiry examined the state of the landing gear release lever and the physical condition of the airframe following the impact of the landing with the gear retracted.