Accident Details
On 10 June 2018, at approximately 13:58 local time, a 64-year-old female glider pilot with 165 total flight hours was performing a landing approach in a SZD-51-1 Junior glider (registration SP-3509) at Lubin airfield (EPLU). During the approach, the pilot maintained a constant glide angle until ground contact, with no flare or hold phase. The glider struck the runway surface simultaneously with the nose and main landing gear, then bounced to a height of about 3–4 meters. After the bounce, the pilot pushed the control stick forward, resulting in a second nose impact with the runway. The glider came to rest 90 meters from the point of first contact.
Damage and Injuries
The glider sustained damage to the fuselage in the area of the cockpit, including cracks in the laminate under the fuselage and stress marks near the pilot's seat pan. The pilot complained of chest pain and remained in the glider until an ambulance arrived. Medical examination revealed a fracture of the 8th thoracic vertebra without spinal cord damage. The pilot was discharged from the hospital the same day with a recommendation to wear a corset. A breath alcohol test was negative.
Probable Cause
The investigation identified two factors contributing to the accident: (1) an error in piloting technique involving a landing without a flare phase, and (2) an incorrect elevator reaction following the glider's bounce.
Preventive Actions
The glider's operator discussed the event with the pilots who were participating in flights. No safety recommendations were issued by the investigative body.