What happened
On July 18, 2019, a solo training flight departed from the Strzyżewice airfield near Leszno (EPLS) in an SZD-48-3 Jantar Standard 3, registration SP-3383. The flight was intended to be a thermal training mission following a route through Karaszczyn, Krobia, Bojadła, and Rawicz. While the initial phase of the flight proceeded normally with strong thermals, the pilot encountered weakening lift near Góra Śląska and decided to shorten the route and return to the home airfield.
During the approach to the airfield, the pilot relied on onboard computer data for navigation. However, the glider entered an area of strong sinking air, resulting in a significant loss of altitude. In an attempt to maintain flight, the pilot reduced airspeed, which inadvertently accelerated the loss of altitude to a level where flying over buildings on the approach path was no longer possible.
Seeking an emergency landing site, the pilot initiated a 90-degree turn toward an open field located to the left of the flight path. During this maneuver, the pilot failed to maintain sufficient airspeed for a safe turn and landing. Consequently, the glider entered a left-hand spin at an altitude of approximately 60 meters. During the autorotation, the left wing struck a tree, causing the wing to break and the aircraft to rotate an additional 180 degrees around the tree before impacting the ground on its right side, striking a garden structure. The pilot exited the cockpit uninjured.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's decision-making, and the aircraft's performance. The investigation reviewed meteorological data, which indicated favorable VFR conditions, and analyzed footage from a nearby building camera, which showed the aerodynamic brakes were deployed during the event. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot was not under the influence of alcohol and that rest periods were not a contributing factor.