Incident Overview
On 26 June 2020, a training flight was conducted at Kruszyn airfield (EPWK) using a KR-03 Puchatek glider, registration SP-3551. During the winch launch at approximately 130 m above ground level, the towline broke.
Sequence of Events
After the towline break, the student pilot secured the glider's speed, released the towline, and decided to land downwind with a 180-degree turn. Following the turn, the instructor took over control and performed the landing. During the landing roll, the student pilot abruptly moved the rudder to the left. The glider lost directional control, causing the left wing to strike the ground, and the glider ground-looped. As a result, the left wing skid, made of a metal tube, was damaged.
Investigation Findings
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) examined the incident. The commission determined that the cause of the incident was the instructor's delayed reaction to the student pilot's error. A contributing factor was landing with a tailwind.
Recommended Actions
The investigating body discussed the incident with the personnel involved in the flights and also addressed it during a subsequent pre-flight briefing with instructors and student pilots. No further safety recommendations were determined.