What happened
On September 1, 2015, a glider pilot with approximately 260 total flight hours performed a winch launch at EPBK. The intention of the flight was to locate thermal updrafts. After the winch release at an altitude of approximately 300 m, the pilot retracted the landing gear and began searching for thermals by flying the northern circuit.
While positioned on the downwind leg of the right-hand circuit, the pilot failed to extend the landing gear and did not transmit a position report via radio. Upon reaching an altitude of 180 m near the third turn, the pilot found no thermal activity and decided to proceed with a landing. The pilot continued the approach with the landing gear still retracted.
As a result of the touchdown without the gear extended, the SZD-48-3 Jantar Std 3 sustained minor damage, including scraped paint on the lower fuselage. Upon inspection of the cockpit area, investigators found localized delamination of the residual frames from the fuselage shell.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Białystok Aero Club, focused on the sequence of maneuvers during the circuit and the pilot's failure to follow standard landing procedures. The examination of the aircraft involved removing the seat pan to inspect the structural integrity of the lower fuselage and frames following the impact.