History of the Flight
On 3 February 2020, the L-23 Super Blanik glider VT-GLE, owned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and operated by M/s Jharkhand Flying Institute, was engaged in joyride flights at Dumka airfield. Before the accident flight, a pre-flight inspection was carried out and a Certificate of Release to Service was issued by an approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. The accident flight was the 14th sortie of the day, following 13 successful sorties. The glider was launched from Runway 27 at approximately 1145 UTC using a stationary ground-based winch. The winch cable disengaged normally after the glider reached an initial launch height of about 200–300 m AGL, and the launch was uneventful. After takeoff, the glider made a right turn and began losing height. The base in-charge instructed the pilot via handheld radio to execute an emergency landing circuit, but received no response. Shortly thereafter, the glider made a steep left turn in an attempt to land, during which it continued losing height rapidly. Witnesses observed the glider at an unusually low altitude, and after about 450° of turn, the left wing dropped and the glider appeared uncontrollable. The glider then pitched nose-down and descended rapidly. The left wing struck the boundary wall of the airfield, and the glider crash-landed on an unpaved surface within the airstrip.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot-in-command sustained serious injuries. The passenger, who occupied the front seat, suffered fatal injuries. The glider was substantially damaged beyond economical repair. Additionally, barbed fencing wire on the boundary wall was broken at two or three places.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 49-year-old male holding a valid Glider Pilot License (GPL) with an open rating, issued on 28 November 2017 and valid until 27 November 2022. His total flying experience was 470 hours 35 minutes, with 6 hours 30 minutes on type (55 landings). His last flight on type was on 22 January 2020. In the past, the pilot was involved in another accident on 7 August 2013 while flying an IS28M2/GR motor glider VT-GJH at Deoghar airstrip. During post-accident interaction, the pilot did not recall the accident flight or the reason for carrying an AME as a passenger.
Aircraft Information
The L-23 Super Blanik is an all-metal, two-seat, high-wing glider manufactured by Let Aeronautical Works, Czech Republic. It is certified under the Normal category for VFR day operations, with a maximum operating altitude of 10,000 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 510 kg. The glider was registered VT-GLE and was maintained under Indian regulations. At the time of the accident, the glider was released for flying after the required pre-flight inspection.
Meteorological and Other Information
The report notes that meteorological information was recorded. No abnormalities were reported by the winch operator, and no distress call was made by the pilot. The accident occurred during the landing phase of a joyride flight at Dumka airfield (coordinates 24°23'09 N, 87°26'57 E).
Analysis and Findings
The investigation found that the pilot executed the final turn with insufficient speed and excessive application of rudder, which caused the glider to stall. The insufficient height did not allow recovery. The flying institute was found to be lacking in enforcing existing glider standard operating procedures.