What happened
On June 17, 2021, a training flight was being conducted at the Nowy Targ Aeroclub using an H36 Dimona motor glider, registration SP-010 and 0101 (SP-0101). The purpose of the flight was to train a student pilot for the TMG (Touring Motor Glider) class. The flight crew consisted of an instructor and a student pilot.
After successfully completing the first three training flights, the crew proceeded with a fourth flight. During the descent on the final approach, the aircraft maintained a constant gliding angle without the necessary flare. This resulted in a hard landing on the main landing gear. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce approximately 20 meters along the runway before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the crew. Post-flight inspections revealed damage to the right main landing gear strut and one propeller blade.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the flight sequence, the qualifications of the crew, and the technical condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that both the instructor and the student pilot held valid medical certificates and the necessary qualifications for the flight. The aircraft was properly documented and insured. Meteorological conditions were found to have no impact on the event, and breathalyzer tests for the crew showed 0.00 mg/l of alcohol.
Findings
- The primary cause was a piloting error involving the failure to execute the flare phase and maintain the aircraft's attitude during landing.
- The instructor failed to intervene or react to the student's error during the approach.
- A contributing factor was the instructor's limited experience specifically in TMG training, as they had recorded only approximately 21 total hours on motor gliders.