What happened
On June 25, 2017, during the Małopolski Aviation Picnic at Kraków Czyżyny (EPKC), a tow operation involving an MDM-1M SoloFox (registration SP-8000) and a Jak 12A (registration SP-YWZ) resulted in an accident. After taking off for a repositioning flight, the tow aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power, severe vibrations, and engine instability at an altitude of approximately 100 m AGL. The pilot of the Jak 12A radioed a command to release the tow, but due to radio interference from other aircraft and air traffic control, the glider pilot did not hear the instruction.
As the tow aircraft began an emergency descent, the towline release fuse broke. The glider pilot, now flying solo, attempted an emergency landing with a tailwind. Because the pilot was using aerodynamic brakes and had not yet extended the landing gear, the glider approached the runway at an excessive ground speed. The aircraft touched down at the end of the concrete runway and failed to stop within the paved area, ultimately striking a tree. The glider sustained serious structural damage, while the pilot of the glider was transported to the hospital for observation. The pilot of the Jak 12A landed safely on a subsequent circuit.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the technical condition of both aircraft, the meteorological conditions, and the communication between the crews. The investigation confirmed that the glider was in good technical condition and that the pilots were properly qualified and not under the influence of alcohol. Investigators analyzed the engine performance of the Jak 12A, noting that while a temporary malfunction occurred, the cause of the engine's instability could not be determined. The investigation also reviewed the airfield environment, noting that obstacles near the runway ends and high wind speeds contributed to the difficulty of the emergency maneuver.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the temporary malfunction of the tow aircraft's engine.
- The glider's approach speed relative to the ground was too high during the landing phase.
- High wind speeds and turbulence made an emergency landing on the opposite runway direction nearly impossible.
- Communication between the two pilots was ineffective due to radio congestion.
- The presence of terrain obstacles at both ends of the runway limited the available landing options.