Event Details
On 15 August 2017, at 18:55 local time, a student pilot was performing a training flight on a new type of glider at the Szymanów airfield (EPWS). The aircraft involved was a SZD-51-1 Junior glider. The pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot began the flight by launching via winch. After launch, she established a proper traffic pattern around the airfield. Upon turning onto final approach, the pilot did not maintain a constant glide angle, causing variations in airspeed. During the final phase of the approach, the glider's speed was excessively high. The landing was executed without flaring (without holding off), resulting in a touchdown at high speed. During the landing roll, the glider veered and completed a 180-degree turn.
Damage
As a result of the landing incident, the canopy of the glider cracked across its entire length. No other damage was reported.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was a landing without flare at excessive speed.