What happened
On June 6, 2019, at 11:49 LMT, a pilot operating a Mosquito glider departed from the Opole Aero Club (EPOP) for a training flight consisting of a closed circuit with three turning points. Due to approaching thunderstorms and high-level cloud cover, the pilot determined that returning to the departure airfield was not feasible. After coordinating flight conditions with FIS Warsaw and the Łódź Lublinek (EPLL) tower, the pilot proceeded toward EPLL with the intention of landing at the Łódź Aero Club airfield.
Upon entering the EPLL control zone (CTR), the pilot requested permission to land on the grass runway 07 to avoid a Bocian glider positioned near the turn for runway 25. The pilot conducted the approach at an excessive speed and into a tailwind. During the landing roll at 16:44 LMT, the pilot lost directional control, veering to the right toward an SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider parked near the threshold of runway 25. In an attempt to correct the course, the pilot tried to dip the left wing; however, the tip of the right wing struck the rudder of the stationary SZD-50-3 Puchacz, causing damage to the aircraft's rudder.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight decisions, the environmental conditions, and the technical execution of the landing. The investigator reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting the pilot held valid glider and airplane flight instructor ratings, with approximately 666 total flight hours and 146 hours on the involved type. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's performance during the landing roll and the effectiveness of the rudder under the prevailing wind conditions.
Findings
- The pilot made the incorrect decision to land too close to the edge of the runway.
- The approach was conducted at an excessive speed while landing with a tailwind.
- The pilot experienced a loss of directional control during the final phase of the landing roll.
- Ineffective rudder authority contributed to the inability to maintain the centerline.