What happened
On July 29, 2020, a Rolladen-Schneider flugzeugbau LS8-18 glider, registration LN-GCG, was involved in a forced landing near Oppdal Airport (ENOP) in Norway. The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight as part of an organized club activity. After successfully completing an earlier flight, the pilot departed again for a second mission, heading toward the mountains near Kvikne.
During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions, including low clouds and localized rain. While attempting to navigate back toward the airfield, the pilot was unable to locate a previously identified outlanding field in the valley. Finding themselves low on altitude and facing sinking air, the pilot attempted to reach the airfield but was unable to clear the terrain. The aircraft struck treetops approximately 450 meters from the end of the runway, causing the canopy to shatter and a wing to break before the nose impacted the ground in a wooded area.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the Glider Section of the Norwegian Air Sports Federation (S/NLF) and reviewed by the NSIA, focused on the pilot's decision-making and the safety margins maintained during the mountain crossing. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical condition, the meteorological data, and the pilot's flight logs.
Technical examination of the LS8-18 revealed no mechanical failures or pre-existing defects that contributed to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the club's operational procedures. The pilot, who held an EASA SPL, was found to be fully compliant with all training and medical requirements.
Findings
- The pilot chose to cross a mountain range, which inherently involves flying over terrain where landing is not possible.
- Insufficient safety margins were maintained when navigating through the mountains toward a known landing area.
- The pilot failed to execute an outlanding at the first available opportunity, opting instead to continue toward the airfield despite uncertainty regarding the ability to reach it.
- A lack of familiarity with the specific terrain and the difficulty of identifying suitable landing spots in the valley contributed to the situation.
- The pilot's decision to proceed despite being unable to locate the intended outlanding field left no viable alternatives when altitude was lost.
Safety action
Following the incident, the club's safety committee recommended the creation of a comprehensive catalog of suitable outlanding fields in the area surrounding the airport to assist pilots in making informed decisions. Additionally, the Norwegian Air Sports Federation has initiated a safety campaign focused on encouraging pilots to prioritize safety margins and to land whenever a safe opportunity presents itself.