What happened
On May 24, 2016, a training flight was conducted near the Radawiec (EPLR) airfield in Poland. The pilot, performing a winch-launch training flight, successfully reached an altitude of 450 meters but was unable to establish contact with thermal lift. After searching for thermals without success, the pilot decided to land in an unprepared field.
Upon approaching the first chosen landing site, the pilot identified a utility pole in the center of the field, which necessitated a change in plans. The pilot then attempted to land in a second field located approximately one kilometer from the airfield. During this approach, the left wing of the SZD-4SB-1 Jantar Standard 2 (registration SP-3694) struck the branches of a hazel tree. This impact caused the glider to lose directional control and bank sharply. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground at a high angle of bank, resulting in the destruction of the cockpit and the forward fuselage. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was evacuated from the wreckage by an emergency medical helicopter.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's training records, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was technically airworthy and that all maintenance documentation was in order. The pilot held a valid medical certificate and was legally qualified to fly the aircraft type, though the investigation noted a lack of documented cross-country experience. Meteorological data confirmed that weather conditions were suitable for training flights, with winds from the ENE at approximately 10 knots.
Findings
- The pilot made the improper decision to attempt to find thermals at a significant distance from the airfield after the initial launch.
- The selection of landing fields was inappropriate for the circumstances.
- The pilot's limited experience in cross-country gliding served as a contributing factor to the accident.