What happened
On July 26, 2020, at the EPLS aerodrome, a student pilot was performing their first solo flight in a single-seat SZD-51-1 Junior glider, registration SP-3413. During the takeoff roll behind a towing aircraft, the student pilot was unable to maintain control of the glider. Following instructions from the supervising instructor, the pilot released the towline. Due to excessive speed and improper control inputs, the glider climbed to an altitude of only a few meters. The pilot then applied the aerodynamic brakes too abruptly and failed to maintain an appropriate glide angle, which led to a collision with the ground. The aircraft sustained serious damage, though the pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the pilot's handling of the aircraft during the critical takeoff phase and the transition from a dual-seat training environment to a single-seat solo operation. The commission examined the flight dynamics and the pilot's reactions to the takeoff sequence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was pilot error regarding takeoff technique.
- The student pilot was experiencing significant stress associated with performing their first solo flight in a single-seat glider.
- The pilot lacked sufficient familiarity with the control surfaces of the single-seat aircraft.
- There was a lack of familiarity with the specific cockpit visibility and instrument projection in the SZD-51-1 Junior compared to the two-seat gliders, such as the SZD-9 bis Bocian 1E, which the student had previously used for training.
Safety action
- The aircraft operator conducted briefings with towing pilots and glider pilots to discuss the differences in takeoff techniques between various single-seat and two-seat training gliders, as well as procedures for emergency situations during aero-tows.