What happened
On May 19, 2016, at approximately 16:10 LMT, a Ka-6 CR glider, registration SP-3851, was engaged in a cross-country flight consisting of a 507 km route with three turning points. The flight originated from Turbia (EPST). After completing the first two waypoints, the pilot encountered mist and weakening thermal activity. As clouds began to dissipate, the aircraft descended to an altitude of approximately 500 meters, prompting the pilot to select a field for an off-field landing.
While maneuvering near a forested area, the pilot identified a suitable landing site but noted the presence of two high-voltage power lines nearby. Upon reaching the chosen field, the pilot observed that the area was covered in crops and contained a barn, making a safe landing difficult at the current altitude. The pilot subsequently decided to change the landing site to a plowed field located on the other side of the high-voltage lines. During a shallow right-hand turn at low altitude, the glider's right wing struck a telecommunications cable that was running across the field at a 30-degree angle to the flight path. The impact caused the aircraft to pitch vertically by a quarter turn before striking the ground. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight logs, GPS data (IGC file), and the physical wreckage. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft possessed all necessary technical and operational documentation. The pilot's medical and flight credentials were found to be valid, and post-accident testing showed no presence of alcohol. The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers during the final approach and the pilot's decision-making process regarding terrain selection.
Findings
- The pilot changed the initial decision regarding the selected landing terrain.
- The landing was attempted in terrain that had not been sufficiently identified or surveyed.
- The primary cause of the accident was the right wing striking a telecommunications cable, which led to the subsequent impact with the ground.