What happened
On August 21, 2020, a training flight was being conducted at Turbia Airport (EPST) using a winch launch method. At approximately 11:45 LMT, a student pilot, under the supervision of an instructor, commenced their fourth solo flight of the day in an SZD-50-3 Puchacz glider.
Following a successful takeoff and the completion of a circuit, the student pilot initiated a landing approach. However, the approach was flown too low and failed to compensate for the prevailing crosswind. As a result, the right wing of the glider struck branches of a tall shrub located just outside the runway area on the right side of the approach path. This impact caused the glider to veer right, resulting in a ground loop that ended with a 180-degree turn. The aircraft came to a stop on the airfield area, outside of the active runway.
No injuries were sustained by the student pilot, who exited the cockpit unassisted. A post-landing inspection of the SZD-50-3 Puchacz revealed no structural damage.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight circumstances, the pilot's credentials, and the aircraft's airworthiness. The investigation confirmed that the student pilot held a valid Class 2/LAPL medical certificate. The glider was found to be fully documented, airworthy, and properly insured. The investigation also considered the role of atmospheric conditions and the level of supervision provided during the training session.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error by the student, specifically regarding the improper planning of the landing approach.
- The lack of corrective guidance from the instructor, who failed to advise the student to adjust the approach path to account for the wind, acted as a contributing factor.
- Atmospheric conditions may have also influenced the occurrence of the event.