What happened
On 2 August 2022, an SZD-48-3 glider, registration OK-6CO, was involved in a fatal accident near the village of Volduchy, Czech Republic. The pilot was participating in a training camp at Plasy airport and had embarked on a cross-country flight route including Tachov and Příbram. During the flight, the pilot began losing altitude and diverted the flight path toward Rokycany airport.
While flying near the intersection of the D5 highway and road No. II/232, the pilot attempted to locate thermal updrafts by performing two right-hand turns. During the second turn, the aircraft entered a right-hand spin at a steep angle. The right wing of the glider struck the asphalt, causing the aircraft to roll and eventually turn upside down. During the descent, the left wing of the glider struck the rear of a passenger vehicle traveling on the road. While the occupants of the car were uninjured, the pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the glider was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight history, the technical condition of the SZD-48-3, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance records, which showed a recent annual inspection and no reported defects. The pilot's medical and flight records were also analyzed, noting his extensive experience in various aircraft types, though his recent flight time on this specific type was limited.
Findings
- The pilot made the decision to continue maneuvering at a low altitude to search for thermals rather than proceeding directly to land at Rokycany.
- The pilot performed the second turn with a significant roll and a decreasing circling radius.
- The reduction of the circling radius during the maneuver led to a wing stall and subsequent spin-stall.
- The pilot had insufficient recent flight hours on this specific aircraft type.
- Meteorological conditions were generally suitable, though narrow and turbulent thermal currents were present in the area.