What happened
On July 22, 2016, a student pilot was conducting training flights at the Krosno (EPKR) aerodrome using an SZD-9 Bis Bocian 1E glider, registration SP-3030. The flight was part of a solo training session, specifically task I, exercise 8, following a winch launch on runway 260°.
During the landing phase, after completing a standard circuit, the pilot failed to execute the necessary flare before touchdown. As a result, the front skid struck the aerodrome surface, causing the glider to bounce. Following the bounce, the pilot moved the control stick away from themselves, which led to a second, high-impact landing on the skid and main landing gear. This sequence caused the aircraft to enter a 90-degree left-hand ground loop. The impact resulted in significant structural damage, including a broken front skid, damage to the forward fuselage and seat pan, and the failure of the main landing gear wheel and swing arm.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's control inputs during the bounce, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The inquiry also reviewed the oversight provided by the instructor during the student's solo flight.
Findings
- The primary cause was the failure to flare the aircraft during the final stage of landing, which initiated the bounce.
- The pilot's improper control input (moving the stick away from the body) after the initial bounce contributed to the severity of the second impact.
- Low sun position near the horizon made distance estimation difficult for the pilot.
- There was a lack of intervention or corrective guidance from the supervising instructor during the student's error.