Flight History
On 3 May 2017, at 14:31 LMT, a student pilot was preparing for his third flight of the day at the Laszki airfield (EPJL). The glider, an SZD-30 Pirat registered as D-1946, was operated by Aeroklub Ziemi Jarosławskiej. The student pilot was a student at the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin, with about 50 hours on powered aircraft and helicopters and 177 glider flights totaling 63 hours.
During the winch launch, the tail skid dragged heavily along the ground. Immediately after lift-off, the glider transitioned into an extremely steep climb. It soon reached a near-vertical attitude and began an autorotational turn over the left wing. At an altitude of about 30 meters, the student released the tow line. The glider then struck the ground in a nearly vertical position, slightly tilted onto its back. The impact destroyed the glider and fatally injured the student.
Injuries and Damage
The student pilot died at the scene. The glider was completely destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the investigation. The commission noted a contributing factor: lack of instructor supervision over the student pilot's preparation for the flight. No safety recommendations were issued.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was improper securing of the pilot's seat backrest. During the rapid acceleration of the winch start, the left side of the backrest shifted backward, preventing the student pilot from controlling the glider.