Introduction
On 30 July 2018, at approximately 10:55 local time, a training flight involving a SZD-9 bis Bocian 1E glider occurred at Warsaw Babice airfield (EPBC). The crew consisted of a student pilot and an instructor pilot. The flight was part of advanced training exercises.
Incident Details
The flight plan included a simulated emergency scenario: a winch cable break followed by a 180° turn landing. After coordination with the winch operator, the launch proceeded on runway 10. The winch operator released the cable as planned. However, the student pilot did not react to the cable break, prompting the instructor to take control and stabilize the glider in a glide.
At that moment, the parachute end of the winch cable passed over the cockpit, and the cable tip with the attachment wrapped around the second cockpit fairing, becoming stuck. The instructor pulled the cable release handle three times, but the entangled end prevented separation. The instructor initiated a landing approach with the cable still attached.
During a left turn, the instructor was informed via radio that the winch operator had cut the cable. He then altered his plan, which had initially been to land near the winch, and landed safely on runway 28 without further incident.
Damage
The glider sustained damage to the rudder (cracked plywood in the left lower part) and scratches on the second cockpit fairing and fuselage. These damages were recorded in the technical log.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified two probable causes for the incident: 1. Lack of reaction from the student pilot to the winch cable disengagement. 2. Delayed release of the winch cable by the instructor pilot.
The instructor, a 25-year-old male with a valid SPL license and FI(S) rating, had approximately 660 total flight hours, including 140 hours as an instructor. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.