What happened
On August 8, 2020, at approximately 19:41 LMT, a SZD-9 Bocian glider, registration SP-2824, was performing a training flight at Kruszyn Aerodrome (EPWK). The crew, consisting of a student pilot and an instructor, had departed via winch launch on a standard circuit pattern. During the approach to landing, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 5 to 8 meters. As the glider passed roughly 50 meters from the airfield boundary, it struck a clump of tall bushes. This impact caused the aircraft to enter a ground loop, ultimately resulting in the glider crashing onto the ground.
While the SZD-9 Bocian sustained significant structural damage, there were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the circumstances of the flight, the flight path, and the environmental conditions at the airfield boundary to determine the sequence of events leading to the impact with the vegetation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a low approach altitude during the landing phase, which led to the aircraft making contact with the bushes.
Safety action
- The incident was reviewed with the flying personnel of the Aeroclub.
- A decision was made to place landing markers on runway 08 further away from the runway threshold to improve visibility and approach guidance.