What happened
On August 6, 2020, an instructor and a student pilot were conducting a flight test at the Laszki airfield (EPJL) in an SZD-9 Bis 1E Bocian, registration SP-3035. The flight was being performed as part of a specific training syllabus (SPL I/7). Prior to takeoff, the instructor coordinated with the winch operator to terminate the tow at a lower altitude than usual to simulate an emergency scenario.
As planned, the winch cable was released at an altitude of approximately 100–120 meters. Following the release, the student pilot maintained airspeed, disconnected the rope, and fully deployed the air brakes with the intention of performing a straight-in landing. However, after the aircraft had descended by approximately 30–40 meters, the instructor determined that the remaining runway length was insufficient for a safe landing. The instructor also assessed that attempting a 180-degree turn to land in the opposite direction was too dangerous due to the low altitude.
To lose altitude more rapidly, the instructor took control of the aircraft and executed a spiral dive while keeping the air brakes extended. The glider touched down at an excessive speed approximately 150 meters from the end of the runway. During the landing roll, the left wing struck the winch, causing the aircraft to come to a halt.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight sequence, the decisions made by the crew, and the equipment used during the flight. The investigation focused on the decision-making process regarding the landing approach and the impact of instrument scale differences on the crew's situational awareness.