Incident Overview
On June 6, 2019, at 11:49 LMT, the pilot of a Mosquito glider departed from Opole Aeroclub airfield (EPOP) for a training cross-country flight with three turning points. Due to thunderstorms and high cloud cover, the pilot determined that a return to the departure airfield was not possible. After coordination with Warsaw FIS and EPLK tower, the pilot flew toward Łódź Lublinek (EPLL) with the intention of landing at the Łódź Aeroclub airfield. The pilot then established contact with EPLL.
Approach and Landing
Upon entering the EPLL control zone, the pilot, noting a Bocian glider near the third turn for runway 25, requested a straight-in landing on the grass runway 07. The pilot executed the approach with increased speed and a tailwind.
At 16:44 LMT, during the landing roll, the pilot lost directional control to the right, toward a parked SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider located near the threshold of runway 25. Due to reduced rudder effectiveness, the pilot attempted to lower the left wing to change direction. Despite the attempt to avoid the obstacle, the right wingtip struck the Puchacz's vertical stabilizer, causing damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot, who owned the Mosquito, held a glider pilot license with a valid FI(A) rating and a commercial pilot license (CPL(A)) with a valid FI(A) rating. Total flight time was approximately 666 hours, with about 146 hours on the accident glider type. The pilot was current in training and held a valid medical certificate and periodic proficiency checks.
Causes of the Incident
The investigation identified two causes: 1. The pilot's incorrect decision to land too close to the edge of the runway. 2. Excessive approach speed maintained during the tailwind landing and loss of directional control in the final phase of the landing roll.
Preventive and Safety Actions
After the incident, the operator conducted refresher training on tailwind landing principles, including the lack of control response during the ground roll and the phenomenon of rudder reversal. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.