What happened
On September 1, 2019, at approximately 14:42 LMT, a training flight departed from Lubin Airport (EPLU) using a Jak-12 M aircraft for aero-tow. The flight proceeded with a tailwind, and after circling near Niemstów, the glider's variometer indicated a climb of approximately 3 m/s. At an altitude of about 550 meters, the pilot released the towline.
During the subsequent circuit, the pilot noted a complete loss of lift. Realizing the glider would be unable to return to the airfield, the pilot navigated toward the outskirts of the town and selected a field for an off-field landing. To protect the landing gear from potential damage, the pilot decided to perform the landing with the gear retracted, misidentifying a dirt road as a drainage ditch. The pilot notified the airfield via radio of the intent to land in the field.
The glider touched down just past the identified strip of greenery. The aircraft came to a halt after a short ground roll of approximately 10 meters. While no immediate damage was visible, a subsequent inspection a month later revealed damaged paint on the lower fuselage and delamination of the fuselage shell reinforcements beneath the seat pan.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Aeroklub Zagłębia Miedziowego, examined the flight sequence, the pilot's decision-making process, and the physical condition of the SZD-43.3 Jantar Std 3 following the landing. The inquiry focused on the timing of the towline release and the assessment of the landing site.
Findings
- The pilot of the towing aircraft made the decision to perform the tow on the leeward side of the airfield.
- The glider pilot released the towline at an altitude that did not allow for a return to the home airfield.
- The decision to land in the field was made too late, and the pilot failed to properly survey the terrain, leading to the decision to land with the gear retracted.
- The pilot's decision to land with the gear retracted resulted in structural damage to the fuselage shell reinforcements.