Incident Details
On 22 July 2016, training flights were conducted at Krosno Airport (EPKR) using the SZD-9 Bis Bocian 1E glider, registration SP-3030, operated by Aeroklub Podkarpacki. At approximately 19:43 local time, a student pilot took off for their 10th flight of the day, which was also their first solo flight for Task I, Exercise 8. The launches were performed by winch on runway heading 260°.
Sequence of Events
After completing a traffic pattern, during the landing phase, the student pilot did not perform a flare before touchdown. The glider's front skid struck the airfield surface, causing the glider to bounce. Upon bouncing, the student pilot pushed the control stick forward, leading to a hard re-contact with the ground on the front skid and main wheel. The glider then performed a ground loop of 90° to the left.
Aircraft Damage
The hard landing resulted in a broken front skid, damage to the forward fuselage, deformation of the seat pan in the front cockpit, and the main wheel and its trailing arm being torn out.
Causal Factors
The accident was attributed to the following factors: lack of flare in the final landing phase leading to a bounce; incorrect reaction by the student pilot after the bounce; difficulty in judging distance due to landing towards the sun low on the horizon; and lack of intervention by the supervising instructor in response to the student's errors.
Preventive Actions
The event was discussed with pilots, and a conference was held with instructors.
Commission Comment
The commission noted that, especially during early solo flights, the supervising instructor should continuously monitor the glider and be ready to provide radio guidance. It also reminded instructors to consider the student's skills, weather conditions, and fatigue before authorizing solo flights.