Incident Overview
On 17 June 2019, at approximately 16:20 local time, a student pilot conducted a winch launch in a SZD-51-1 Junior glider (registration SP-3303) at Warsaw Babice (EPBC). The glider was operated by Aeroklub Warszawski. The flight was a solo training mission (task VI/1). During the climb, the student pilot abruptly reduced the climb angle by pushing the control stick forward, transitioning to level flight while the winch was still pulling. This caused the right wing to contact the winch cable, leading to a 160° yaw. The pilot released the cable and landed straight ahead, downwind. The glider sustained damage to the right wing; the pilot was not injured.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot arrived at the airport around 15:45 and briefed with an instructor. The instructor noted strong thermal activity and a significant crosswind component. The windsock indicated variable wind with a direction approximately 45° to the runway axis. The pilot took off at 16:20. Initial climb was normal, with a 45° climb angle and airspeed of 120 km/h. The instructor observed the glider drifting with the wind and radioed "Junior, right aileron" to request crosswind correction, but the pilot did not respond. At about 150 m, the pilot pushed the stick forward, leveling the glider while the winch continued pulling. The winch operator noticed the flattened trajectory and reduced drum speed. The cable parachute deployed on the right side of the glider. The right wing then snagged the cable, causing the glider to yaw approximately 160°. Speed decreased, and the glider appeared to stall momentarily. The pilot attempted to release the cable and eventually succeeded. The glider then accelerated, and at about 30 m, the pilot leveled off, deployed airbrakes, and landed straight ahead with a slight deviation towards the concrete runway. The landing was normal, and the glider stopped within the airport boundaries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The glider was a SZD-51-1 Junior, registration SP-3303. The pilot was a 35-year-old male student pilot with a valid medical certificate (Class 2 and LAPL) and a winch launch qualification (KWT) valid until 24 March 2020. He began flight training in 2017 at Aeroklub Warszawski and had obtained type endorsement for the SZD-51-1 Junior after three flights.
Damage
The right wing sustained damage including a broken aileron cover, scratches on upper and lower surfaces, and dents and scratches on the leading edge.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) determined that the cause of the serious incident was an error in winch launch technique: transitioning to level flight while the winch pull was still ongoing. Contributing factors were: (1) performing a training flight in conditions of excessively strong crosswind, and (2) failing to apply crosswind correction. No safety recommendations were issued.