What happened
On 8 August 2018, a HPH 304 S Jet SHARK glider, registration D-KTGM, was performing a 522 km cross-country flight originating from Reinsdorf, Germany. After an initial period of successful soaring, the pilot encountered a lack of thermal lift, likely caused by a violent storm passing near Żagań, which suppressed rising air in the area.
At approximately 14:12 local time, while flying near Klików, Poland, the pilot was at an altitude of roughly 81 meters AGL and attempting to circle in a weak thermal. The pilot then initiated the procedure to start the aircraft's sustainer engine. However, the engine was started at an altitude of only about 45 meters AGL, which is significantly below the recommended safety margin.
As the engine reached full thrust, the aircraft's airspeed dropped to 45 km/h. In an attempt to avoid trees, the pilot executed a sharp left turn, causing the glider to stall. The aircraft struck the ground with the left wing, entered a spin, and subsequently collided with trees, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the fatal death of the pilot.