Accident Details
On 4 August 2016, at EPLU airport, a glider accident occurred involving an SZD-51-1 Junior (serial number B-1854, registration SP-3508, built 1989). The pilot, a 33-year-old female with a total flight time of 131 hours 38 minutes (81:47 solo, 40:38 on type in 26 flights), held a SPL license issued 19 June 2013 and a Silver Gliding Badge. Her medical certificate was valid until 17 June 2020.
Sequence of Events
During landing, the glider touched down with the air brakes closed and at an increased speed (the pilot reported 100-110 km/h), with a slight left wing drop. The main wheel bounced, and directional control was lost into the wind (to the left). Due to loss of lateral balance, the left wingtip caught on taller grass growing on the regularly mowed airfield surface. This initiated a dynamic ground loop to the left, with the tail raised and the nose supporting the glider near the hook for rubber launch. The glider came to a stop approximately 50 meters from the initial touchdown point, having rotated about 200° from the landing direction.
Weather Conditions
Wind: 230°-270°, approximately 6 m/s. Cloud cover: 3/8 cumulus with base 1500 m, plus 4/8 altostratus.
Damage
Inspection at the scene revealed: broken canopy support cable, damaged right wing leading edge about 75 cm from the root, localized fuselage skin damage behind the wings, delaminated fuselage frames, broken leading edge and spar of the vertical stabilizer, and delaminated skin of the vertical stabilizer.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to pilot error: landing with excessive speed and closed air brakes, without maintaining lateral balance. As a result, the glider bounced on the main wheel, caught the grass with the left wingtip, and performed a dynamic ground loop to the left.
No safety recommendations were issued. The investigation was supervised by Maciej Lasek.