Accident Details
On 11 August 2017 at approximately 1900 local time, a glider pilot was conducting a private flight in an Alexander Schleicher ASW 19B, registration LN-GCC, operated by Hallingdal flyklubb. The flight originated from Klanten (ENKL) in connection with Norges Cup. After about one hour of soaring near Gol, the pilot determined there was insufficient altitude to return to the airfield and decided to perform an out-landing at a predefined landing area east of Gol Campingsenter.
The pilot executed several turns to inspect the field from different angles before initiating a normal landing circuit. The field was slightly undulating at one end, which was difficult to discern from altitude. During the landing roll, the left wing made contact with tall grass. This caused the glider to rapidly rotate (ground loop) almost 180 degrees before coming to a stop.
Aircraft Damage
The structural integrity of the tail boom was compromised. The side forces induced a leftward lateral twist and downward torsion of the tail section. The loads were sufficient to cause structural failure: the glue bond at the fuselage joint on the upper side of the tail tore open, and two fractures appeared in the tail structure. Additionally, minor damage occurred to the underside of the right wing approximately 80 cm from the wing root. The pilot reported no injuries.
Commission's Assessment
The Accident Investigation Board Norway (SHT) noted that out-landings are a relatively common occurrence in gliding operations and are considered a normal part of such flights. However, any out-landing carries an inherent risk of damage. Uneven terrain can cause a wing to catch on vegetation or the ground, leading to a swing and ground loop. In such events, structural damage of varying extent may occur. The commission referenced its previous reports 2009/08 and 2017/04, which described the risks associated with out-landings.