Incident
On July 24, 2015, at approximately 20:11 local time (sunset at 20:56), training flights were conducted at EPGI (Lisie Kąty) using a SZD-9 bis 1E Bocian glider launched by winch. After completing three check flights (task SPL/I exercise 7) under supervision, a student pilot was cleared for her first solo flight.
Flight and Collision
The takeoff, circuit, and approach up to the flare were performed correctly. During the flare, the glider showed a tendency to veer left. After a radio command from the supervising instructor, the direction was corrected. During the hold-off, the glider again began to drift left toward the letter "T". Despite radio instructions from the instructor to correct right, the student did not respond. The glider departed the runway and struck a parked SZD-50-3 Puchacz (registration SP-3154) that was positioned off the runway.
Damage and Injuries
The collision damaged the right wing of the Bocian and the fuselage of the Puchacz. The student pilot exited the glider unaided and sustained no injuries. No other persons were injured.
Findings
After the flight, the student pilot could not rationally explain her actions. The investigation identified the cause of the accident as a loss of directional control during the flare and landing roll, combined with a lack of response to the instructor's radio commands. A contributing circumstance may have been stress associated with performing the first solo flight.
Preventive Measures
The occurrence was discussed with pilots and student pilots of the Aeroklub Nadwiślański. Rules for safe launch organization, including the placement of gliders on the neutral strip, were reviewed. No safety recommendations were formulated by the commission.