What happened
On August 20, 2020, a student pilot was performing their second solo flight in an SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider, registration SP-3403, at Jelenia Góra airport (EPJG). The flight followed two successful training flights with an instructor. The takeoff via winch, release, circuit pattern, and approach were initially executed correctly. During the approach, the instructor provided radio guidance regarding glide angle maintenance and airbrake operation.
However, the pilot performed a late and incomplete flare during the landing phase. This caused the aircraft to touch down first on the nose wheel and then on the main gear, resulting in a bounce. Although the instructor issued a command to push the control stick forward to correct the situation, the student's delayed response led to a hard landing. The aircraft struck the ground with its tail, bounced a second time, and then proceeded to a rollout where the pilot lost directional control.
No injuries were sustained by the student pilot, but the glider sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the flight path during the final approach and the pilot's reaction to the instructor's instructions. The commission examined the sequence of the touchdown and the subsequent loss of control during the rollout.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a piloting error involving an incorrect flight path adjustment during the landing, which led to the aircraft bouncing off the ground.
- The pilot failed to correctly implement corrective actions during the bounce.
- The lack of experience of the student pilot contributed to the event.
- Stress associated with performing the first solo flights acted as a contributing factor.