Event Description
On 3 August 2019 at 16:59 local time, a PW-5 glider (registration SP-3738) was involved in an accident during landing at the Mokre airfield near Zamość (EPZA). The glider was operated by Aeroklub Ziemi Zamojskiej. The pilot, a 52-year-old male student with a total flight time of 55 hours, was conducting a type conversion training flight. The flight was a solo training operation under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) during daylight. Weather conditions were not considered a factor in the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a PW-5 glider, registration SP-3738. The pilot was a student pilot undergoing type conversion from the Puchacz glider to the PW-5. The instructor responsible for supervision was present during the pre-flight briefing and monitored the flight via radio.
Sequence of Events
Earlier that day, the student completed training flights on a Puchacz glider. After a two-hour break, he took the PW-5 for type conversion. During the pre-flight briefing, the instructor emphasized the specifics of the TOST tow release mechanism, particularly its self-release function. The student closed the canopy and signaled readiness for takeoff.
During the tow, at the moment of self-release of the tow line, a jerk occurred. The student reported that he hit his head on the canopy, which opened approximately 30°. He then secured the speed and closed the canopy before continuing the flight. The instructor noted no issues during the flight until the approach.
On final approach, the student increased the speed to about 110 km/h. The instructor observed that the student did not initiate a flare and commanded "załamuj" (flare) via radio, but the student did not respond. The glider struck the runway with its front landing gear, bounced (a kangaroo effect), and the canopy separated. The glider then touched down on the main landing gear and veered right during the landing roll. After stopping, the student exited the cockpit unassisted.
Damage
Post-accident inspection revealed damage to the following components:
- Front landing gear
- Canopy
- Pilot seat pan
- Tail boom, cracked at the transition to the vertical stabilizer
The pilot sustained no injuries.
Cause
The cause of the accident was determined to be the pilot student's error in landing technique, consisting of a lack of flare phase, resulting in the front landing gear striking the runway surface—a hard landing.
Contributing Circumstances
The following circumstances were identified as likely contributing to the accident: 1. Probable pilot student error in not properly closing the canopy. 2. Insufficient instructor supervision of pre-start activities during the student's first flight on a new type of glider. 3. The pilot student not reporting the canopy opening via radio. 4. The instructor's lack of reaction to the increased gliding angle on final approach.
No safety recommendations were issued.