Incident Overview
On 27 August 2022, a serious incident occurred involving a glider at the Częstochowa Rudniki airfield (EPRU). The aircraft was an SZD-9 bis "Bocian 1E" with registration SP-3110. The glider was being launched using a winch for a solo flight.
Sequence of Events
During the initial climb phase of the winch launch, the rear section of the canopy detached from the glider. Until the winch cable was released, the canopy hung from the radio antenna. After the pilot released the cable and increased speed, the canopy completely separated and struck the horizontal stabilizer, breaking and becoming embedded in the stabilizer's torsion box. It remained there for the remainder of the flight. The pilot executed a full traffic pattern and landed safely back at the airfield.
Damage and Injuries
The glider sustained damage to the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot did not sustain any injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the incident was likely the failure to check the locking of the rear canopy immediately before the glider's takeoff. Contributing factors included the pilot having completed only two solo flights on the SZD-9 bis type in the current season, resulting in a lack of practice; focusing attention on portable electronic devices taken into the glider instead of preparing the cockpit directly before the flight; and not performing a pre-takeoff inspection immediately before the flight or launch.
Preventive Actions
Following the incident, the aircraft operator implemented several preventive measures. The pilot passed an examination on the flight manual for the SZD-9 bis "Bocian 1E" before being cleared for further solo flights. The incident was discussed with glider pilots, emphasizing the importance of proper pre-flight and pre-takeoff inspections. Support personnel (ground crew at the launch point) were instructed on good practices for checking canopy security before launch in SZD-9 bis gliders used for solo flights. No additional safety recommendations were issued.