Summary
On 1 July 2015, at 13:07 local time, a 61-year-old male glider pilot departed from Gotartowice Airport (EPRG) in a SZD-48-1 Jantar Std 2 glider for a thermal soaring flight. The glider was towed by an aircraft. The takeoff and initial climb were normal.
Sequence of Events
During the tow, at approximately 300 meters altitude and in strong turbulence, the instrument panel cover dislodged from its mounting and moved dynamically towards the pilot. The cover briefly obscured the pilot's field of view and became trapped between his torso and the instrument panel, making it difficult to reposition. After a few seconds, the pilot managed to resecure the cover. Immediately afterward, he confirmed his position near the airport and released the towline. He then conducted an uneventful flight back to the airfield.
Upon entering the traffic pattern, the pilot extended the landing gear and began a left-hand circuit. After the fourth turn, he lined up for final approach at about 100 meters altitude and deployed the airbrakes. At that moment, the canopy lifted and detached rearward without contacting the glider. The pilot did not hear an impact and continued the approach, landing safely at 13:15. The canopy was later found in a wheat field approximately 500 meters from the airfield edge, with a cracked plexiglass panel but no damage to the frame or other components. No property damage or injuries occurred.
Probable Cause
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation determined the probable cause to be the accidental unlocking (displacement) of one of the canopy latches while the pilot was attempting to resecure the displaced instrument panel cover. This led to the incomplete locking of the canopy, which then detached when the airbrakes were deployed.
Preventive Actions
The glider operator discussed the incident with pilots, emphasizing the importance of verifying the secure fastening of the instrument panel cover and the proper position of canopy latches before flight. A detailed inspection of the instrument panel cover mounting was proposed, as well as considering the installation of an additional securing device, such as an extra screw.