What happened
On June 21, 2018, at approximately 13:15, a Ventus 2cxM motor glider departed from Leszno airport (EPLS) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in Class G airspace. The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, initiated a takeoff run on a heading of 240º using the aircraft's onboard engine. At the time of the incident, the wind was also blowing from 240º.
The takeoff roll proceeded normally until the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 75 km/h, at which point the pilot lifted the aircraft off the ground. During this rotation phase, a sudden, strong gust of wind caused the right wing to tilt sharply, resulting in the wing striking the grass. Although the pilot attempted to correct the flight path, the motor glider made a hard landing while simultaneously undergoing a 180-degree turn to the right.
The impact caused extensive damage to the aircraft. The tail section was broken off from the fuselage, the rudder was torn from its hinges, and the landing gear became deformed and stuck in the extended position.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight conditions, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the sequence of events during the takeoff roll. The investigation focused on the impact of meteorological conditions on the aircraft's stability during the transition from ground roll to flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to perform a takeoff during unfavorable atmospheric conditions.
- A sudden wind gust caused a wing strike during the rotation phase of the takeoff.
- The subsequent hard landing and high-speed ground excursion led to the structural failure of the tail section and landing gear.