What happened
On October 27, 2013, a series of training and instructional winch-launch flights were organized at the EPLR aerodrome. Following a successful initial flight by an instructor, a pilot—who had recently obtained their glider pilot license—prepared for a solo flight in an SZD-3 and0 Pirat, registration SP-2874. Prior to takeoff, the instructor verified the aircraft's readiness and specifically reminded the pilot to maintain proper airspeed during landing.
While the initial takeoff roll proceeded normally, the glider transitioned into an excessively steep climb immediately after liftoff. At an altitude of approximately 10 to 15 meters, the aircraft began banking to the right and lost significant airspeed. The instructor on the ground commanded the pilot to reduce the pitch angle. During this period, the winch operator terminated the tension because the aircraft was in an abnormal, unstable attitude. Following the release of tension, the glider leveled briefly before banking sharply to the left, entering a rapid descent. The aircraft struck the ground with the nose and left wing at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the aircraft, which was found to be in full mechanical serviceability with all control systems intact and the weight and balance within approved limits. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training history, noting that the pilot had previously experienced difficulties with altitude assessment and airspeed management, including a prior stall incident and a separate off-field landing.
Findings
- Improper takeoff technique, specifically the failure to maintain a gradual climb and the loss of lateral balance, leading to a significant reduction in airspeed during the launch.
- Failure to maintain airspeed following the termination of the winch tension, which resulted in a stall and subsequent spin.
- The pilot's recent training history indicated a pattern of difficulty maintaining adequate airspeed and altitude control.