Incident Overview
On 21 August 2020, at approximately 11:45 local time, training glider flights were being conducted at Turbia airfield (EPST) using a winch launch from runway 30. A student pilot, under the supervision of an instructor, began her fourth solo flight of the day in an SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" glider, performing exercise 13 of the training syllabus.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot executed a correct start and completed the traffic pattern. However, she improperly planned the landing approach, resulting in an approach that was too low without compensating for crosswind conditions. Consequently, the glider's right wing struck the branches of a tall bush located before the airfield on the right side of the approach path. The glider lost directional control, yawed to the right, and touched down with a crab angle before executing a 180-degree ground loop and coming to a stop. The landing occurred within the airfield but before the designated runway in use. The student pilot was uninjured and exited the glider unassisted.
Findings
A post-landing inspection after the hard touchdown revealed no damage to the glider. The student pilot held a valid Class 2 / LAPL medical certificate. The glider had the required technical and operational documentation, was airworthy, and was insured. Weather conditions could have influenced the occurrence of the incident.
Cause
The cause of the incident was an error by the student pilot consisting of improper planning of the landing approach. A contributing factor was the lack of prompts from the instructor for the student to correct the approach path considering the wind direction.
Subsequent Actions
The aircraft operator conducted a briefing with pilots and student pilots involved in the flights to discuss the incident. Particular emphasis was placed on correct decision-making when altitude is insufficient and on maintaining direction during the landing approach. Before allowing the student pilot to resume flights, a check flight was recommended to simulate pilot actions in similar situations. No further safety recommendations were formulated.