Flight History
On 30 August 2017, a student pilot arrived at Warsaw-Babice airport (EPBC) in the afternoon to conduct refresher flights. The task was to restore habits and check piloting skills after a break in flying. Two flights with an instructor on the SZD-50-3 Puchacz (registration SP-3782) were performed without any remarks. After a short break, the student performed a first solo flight, which the supervising instructor assessed as very good.
At 17:58:52 local time, the student started a second solo flight on a circuit pattern. During the initial climb, the student maintained a steep climb angle. At about 150 m, the winch cable safety link broke. The student secured airspeed by transitioning to a glide. For a short moment, he continued straight ahead. Because the cable end with a rubber attachment remained with the glider, at 17:59:09 the flight director radioed an instruction to release the cable. After releasing, the student began a left turn with several degrees of bank. After about 90° of turn, the glider nosed down and entered a left spin. The glider spun until impact with the ground, resulting in complete destruction and the pilot's death at the scene.
Aircraft Information
The glider was an SZD-50-3 Puchacz, registration SP-3782, operated by Aeroklub Warszawski. The investigation did not identify any pre-existing technical defects.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions were suitable for the type of operation.
Medical and Pathological Information
Toxicology tests were performed; no substances that could have affected the pilot's performance were found.
Tests and Research
Examination of the winch cable and safety link showed that the link failed as designed, without any anomalies.
Analysis
The investigation concluded that the student's reaction to the cable break was correct. However, after releasing the cable, the student initiated a left turn at a speed close to stall speed. The glider stalled during the turn and entered a spin, from which recovery was not initiated.
Final Conclusions
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) established the following causes of the accident: 1. Delayed decision on choosing an emergency landing variant. 2. Initiating a left turn at a speed close to stall speed. 3. Lack of reaction by the student pilot to the glider stalling in the left turn, resulting in entry into a spin.
Contributing factors: 1. Stress of the student pilot caused by the emergency situation during takeoff (cable break at about 150 m). 2. Long breaks in flying.
No safety recommendations were formulated by PKBWL.