Accident Narrative
On 17 May 2020 at 14:07 LMT, a SZD-48-1 Jantar Standard 2 glider, registration SP-3701, was being towed for a recreational thermal flight near Ostrów-Michałków airfield (EPOM). At approximately 300 m AGL, the tow pilot observed the glider above the tow aircraft's flight path and simultaneously the aircraft pitched vertically downward. The tow pilot released the tow line and stabilized the aircraft. After checking and not seeing the glider, he was instructed to return to the airfield.
Following the release, the glider performed an uncontrolled roll and entered a spin. Multiple radio warnings from the flight director alerted the glider pilot to the spin and instructed recovery. After completing six turns of the spin, the glider disappeared behind trees from the view of observers at the airfield. The glider pilot did not make radio contact nor exit the cockpit.
Emergency services were notified via 112. A team from Aeroklub Ostrowski was dispatched to locate the pilot and assess the situation. Upon finding the accident site, the team determined that the pilot had not sustained serious injuries. The glider had struck tall trees and was destroyed. Firefighters, police, and an ambulance arrived. The pilot was taken to a hospital for routine checks, but hospitalization proved unnecessary.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident aircraft was a SZD-48-1 Jantar Standard 2 glider, a Polish-designed single-seat sailplane. It was privately operated. The pilot held a sailplane pilot license. No other persons were on board.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL) conducted the inquiry. The investigation determined that the glider's balance was close to the aft limit, and cockpit ergonomics hindered access to the tow release handle and trim adjustment handle.
Probable Cause
The PKBWL identified the most probable causes as: 1) Loss of control of the glider during tow behind the aircraft, likely due to an unexpected strong gust; 2) Failure to recover the glider from a spin. Contributing circumstances included cockpit ergonomics (difficult reach to tow release and trim adjustment handles) and glider balance near the aft limit.