What happened
On July 17, 2020, at 10:51, a pilot was conducting a winch launch in an SZD 48-3 Jantar Std 3 glider, registration SP-3263, at the Białystok (EPBK) aerodrome. The aircraft successfully lifted off the ground and began its climb. However, at an altitude of approximately 30 meters, the tow rope released spontaneously.
In response to the uncommanded release, the pilot maintained airspeed by applying decisive control inputs. Once the flight was stabilized, the aircraft was at an altitude of roughly 10 meters. The pilot made the correct decision to perform a straight-ahead landing. Because only a narrow strip of the airfield had been mowed for the winch vehicle, the glider landed in an area covered with tall grass. Immediately after touchdown, the right wing caught in the tall vegetation, causing the glider to undergo a violent 360-degree rotation. The incident resulted in damage to the right aileron and the cockpit, though the pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL reviewed the final report submitted by the aircraft operator. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the spontaneous release of the tow rope and the conditions of the landing area at the aerodrome.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the emergency landing on an unmown section of the airfield, which led to the wing catching in the tall grass.
- The spontaneous release of the tow rope at 30 meters necessitated the immediate landing procedure.