Accident Summary
On 20 July 2020, at approximately 15:13 local time (13:13 UTC), a SZD-48-3 'Jantar Std. 3' glider, registered SP-3757, experienced an accident during an off-field landing near the village of Bukownica, Poland. The glider was operated by a private owner and was participating in a gliding competition. The pilot, a 46-year-old male with a valid SPL license, sustained light injuries. The glider was seriously damaged.
Aircraft and Pilot
The glider, an SZD-48-3 'Jantar Std. 3', was privately owned. The pilot held a glider pilot license (SPL) with current medical certificates (class 2 and LAPL) with a TML limitation, as well as valid KWT and KTP endorsements. He had accumulated 1,338 hours of total glider flight time, with over 650 hours on the SZD-48-3 type. In the 2020 season prior to the accident, he had performed three landings on this type, and was considered to be in current training.
Weather Conditions
The flight took place during daytime in visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The area was influenced by an approaching cold front with a convergence line. Local thunderstorms were present, capable of producing wind gusts with variable speed and direction. The weather was considered a factor in the event.
Sequence of Events
The glider departed from EPOM airfield (Ostrów Wielkopolski/Michałków) at 11:22 local time. The competition task involved flying to three zones southeast of the airfield. The pilot completed the first circuit successfully, but on the second attempt, lift dissipated, forcing him to select an off-field landing site. He chose a large freshly plowed field east of Bukownica, approaching from approximately 350 m AGL. After searching for thermal lift, he ended up downwind of the field. The landing was made on a heading of 195°. The glider touched down hard on the main wheel, resulting in a strong bounce that caused the canopy to detach. On the second touchdown, the nose dug into the soft ground, and the glider nosed over. The pilot released his harness and exited the cockpit unaided. Emergency services were notified.
Damage and Injuries
The pilot suffered one light injury. The glider sustained serious structural damage, including extensive composite fractures and delamination of the fuselage, wings, and tail, as well as torn and damaged metal components. A certified maintenance organization assessed the damage as severe.