What happened
On April 22, 2019, at approximately 11:35 AM, a PZL-Biolsko-Biala SZD 50-3 "Puchacz" glider departed from the Schwarzheide glider airfield via a tow launch for a recreational flight. The aircraft was occupied by the pilot and one passenger. After the glider released from the tow aircraft near Senftenberg, the pilot attempted to gain altitude by utilizing thermal currents.
GPS data and witness accounts indicate that the flight proceeded westward, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. The flight path included a period of flying northwesterly, followed by a southward leg. At 12:10 PM, the aircraft flew over the eastern part of Lauchhammer at an altitude of 550 meters. Subsequently, the glider turned left toward a heading of 280 degrees. The final GPS recording at 12:15 PM showed the aircraft at an altitude of only 80 meters, descending at a rate exceeding 6 m/s.
Following the loss of contact and the cessation of GPS tracking, a second glider, a DG 100, was launched via winch to investigate. The pilot of the second glider established radio contact with the crew of the Puchacz, who reported that an accident had occurred in a wooded area approximately 2 km northwest of the airfield. The glider was located in a 20-meter-tall pine forest, where it had sustained catastrophic structural damage. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries and were recovered from the wreckage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's flight path using GPS data, analyzed the wreckage, and reviewed meteorological conditions and pilot credentials. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in a functional state and that the pilot held a valid flight medical certificate and the necessary licenses for the flight type. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and clear skies.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained severe structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and canopy, including the separation of the fuselage tube behind the wings.
- No technical defects were found on the aircraft during the examination.
- The flight ended with a rapid descent at a low altitude shortly before impact with the trees.