Incident Overview
On October 10, 2021, a fatal aviation accident occurred at airport code EPWK involving an SZD-30 "Pirat" glider with registration SP-2709. The aircraft was operated by Aeroklub Włocławski. During a towed takeoff attempt, the student pilot lost control of the glider shortly after liftoff, resulting in a collision with the ground. The sole occupant, a student pilot, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The glider was completely destroyed.
Operational Context
The incident occurred during the student pilot's first-ever towed takeoffs on the SZD-30 type. Prior to the fatal flight, the pilot had completed a successful dual flight in an SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" glider at 14:09 local time. The weather was high-pressure with weak winds from the east. The tow plane was positioned approximately 900 meters from the glider's launch point on runway 08R.
Investigation Findings
The State Commission for Aviation Accident Investigation (PKBWL) concluded that the primary causes of the accident were: 1. The student pilot's failure to react appropriately to a decrease in airspeed during the initial phase of the towed takeoff. 2. Ineffective countermeasures against the resulting spiral dive situation. 3. Insufficient or decreasing tow tension from the tug aircraft at the moment the glider transitioned to climb after liftoff.
Contributing factors included the pilot's limited experience with towed flights on the SZD-30 type, a lack of proper instructor supervision regarding the approval for these first solo-type maneuvers, and visual limitations caused by the glider's high cockpit sides which restricted visibility at high angles of attack. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.