What happened
On July 13, 2019, a student pilot was conducting a solo thermal flight training session at Krosno Airport (EPKR) using a winch launch. After releasing from the winch at approximately 350 m AGL, the pilot attempted to locate and center a thermal over the airport buildings. While the instructor observed the pilot initially finding lift, the glider began losing altitude.
As the aircraft descended to approximately 200 m, the instructor radioed instructions to head toward the airport, but the student did not acknowledge the transmission and continued circling. The student eventually initiated a 180-degree turn to land on runway 11. During this maneuver, the aircraft's bank angle increased to approximately 45 degrees at a very low altitude (estimated between 50 and 90 m). While executing the turn, the pilot pushed the control stick forward to prevent a stall. This action caused the glider to slip toward the left wing, which subsequently struck a utility pole and the top of a tree. The impact caused the SZD-30 Pirat, registration SP-2573, to strike the ground, resulting in the total destruction of the aircraft. The student pilot sustained serious injuries but managed to exit the cockpit independently.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight logs, the aircraft's technical condition, and the sequence of maneuvers. The investigation established that the student was performing his first solo thermal flight of the day. The commission reviewed the instructor's oversight, noting that the instructor had observed the altitude loss and issued radio commands, though the student failed to hear them. The investigation also looked into the airfield conditions, noting that hay bales scattered across the grass runway prevented the pilot from opting for an alternative landing area.
Findings
- The student pilot made a delayed decision to terminate the thermal flight and enter the landing pattern.
- The student pilot made an incorrect decision to execute a 180-degree turn rather than a more direct landing approach.
- A piloting error occurred during the turn at a critically low altitude, specifically the improper use of elevator controls which induced a slip.
- The instructor's reaction to the student's low altitude was delayed.
- The student pilot did not hear the instructor's radio communications.
- Obstructions (hay bales) on the grass runway limited available landing options.