Accident Details
On July 6, 2013, a 19-year-old glider pilot departed Lisie Kąty Airport (EPGI) on an SZD-30 Pirat glider for a training cross-country flight.
Flight and Landing Attempt
During the final leg of the flight, the pilot lost thermal lift and decided to land in an unprepared field. From an altitude of 500 meters, the pilot correctly selected a suitable field. At approximately 300 meters, the pilot began a landing circuit. At about 250 meters, the aircraft encountered a thermal, and the pilot attempted to circle within the lift. While circling in weak lift, the glider drifted downwind, moving too far from the originally chosen field. The pilot then changed plans and decided to land downwind in a field near the village of Kamionka.
Outcome
Due to a strong tailwind, the glider did not stop within the boundaries of the selected field. It rolled across a local road and came to a stop in vegetation on the opposite side. The glider sustained damage, but the pilot reported no injuries.
Causes
The accident was caused by a lack of firm and unambiguous decision regarding landing, and an attempt to circle at low altitude.
Contributing Factor
A contributing factor was landing with a tailwind.
Safety Recommendations
No safety recommendations were issued by the investigating commission.