What happened
On August 3, 2019, a student pilot was conducting type conversion training in a PW-5 glider, registration SP-3end38, at the Mokre k. Zamościa (EPZA) airfield. The flight was part of a training program involving winch launches. Prior to takeoff, an instructor had conducted ground training, specifically highlighting the operation of the TOST release mechanism.
During the flight, the student experienced an unexpected jolt during the final phase of the launch, which caused the cockpit canopy to open approximately 30 degrees and resulted in the student striking his head against the canopy. The student managed to close the canopy and continue the flight. However, during the landing approach, the student increased the airspeed to approximately 110 km/h. Despite a radio command from the instructor to execute a flare, the student failed to react. The glider struck the runway surface with its nose wheel, causing the aircraft to bounce. During the subsequent landing on the main gear, the glider veered to the right. The student sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events, the cockpit canopy malfunction, and the student's handling of the aircraft during the landing phase. The investigation established that the student was distracted by the sudden canopy opening and the physical impact of the jolt during the launch. Post-accident inspections revealed damage to the nose gear, the cockpit canopy, the pilot's seat pan, and a crack in the tail boom at the junction with the vertical stabilizer.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a landing technique error by the student pilot, specifically the failure to execute a proper flare, leading to a hard landing.
- The student's concentration was severely compromised by the stress of the unexpected canopy opening and the physical impact during the launch phase.
- Contributing factors included the possibility that the canopy was not properly secured before takeoff.
- There was insufficient instructor oversight regarding the student's pre-flight checks during this initial flight on a new aircraft type.
- The student failed to communicate the canopy malfunction to the instructor via radio.
- The instructor failed to intervene effectively when the aircraft's glide angle increased during the final approach.