Incident Overview
On 28 April 2013, a 50-year-old licensed glider pilot was conducting a thermal training flight over EPGI airport. The aircraft involved was an SZD-42-2 Jantar 2B glider.
Sequence of Events
During the return to the airfield, the pilot reported at an altitude of 400 meters over the markers and extended the landing gear. He then checked the lock of the extension lever. The pilot performed a four-turn landing pattern, reporting his position downwind and on final. At touchdown, the landing gear retracted unexpectedly. The landing roll continued with the gear retracted.
Aircraft Damage
Post-flight external inspection revealed a crack in the lower part of the fuselage skin and delamination of a half-frame under the seat pan.
Cause
The most probable cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to lock the landing gear retraction/extension lever.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were formulated by the investigating commission.