What happened
On August 27, 2022, an SZD-9 bis "Bocian 1E" glider, registration SP-3110, was performing a solo winch launch at the Częstochowa Rudniki (EPRU) aerodrome. During the initial phase of the climb, the rear portion of the cockpit canopy became detached. The loose canopy remained attached to the aircraft's radio antenna until the pilot released the winch cable.
After releasing the cable and increasing airspeed, the detached canopy piece separated further and struck the horizontal stabilizer. The impact caused the canopy section to break and become embedded in the stabilizer's spar. The pilot completed a full circuit of the airfield and landed the aircraft safely. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the glider sustained structural damage.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the sequence of events and the pilot's pre-flight procedures. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the canopy locking mechanism and the pilot's cockpit preparation. The commission reviewed the pilot's recent flight experience and the distractions present in the cockpit immediately prior to takeoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was likely the failure to verify that the canopy was properly locked immediately before takeoff.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by portable electronic devices brought into the cockpit, which distracted from the necessary pre-flight cockpit preparations.
- The pilot had limited recent experience with this specific aircraft type, having performed only two solo flights in the SZD-9 bis during the current season.
- A thorough pre-flight and pre-takeoff inspection was not performed.
Safety action
Following the incident, several corrective measures were implemented by the operator:
- The pilot underwent an examination on the flight instructions for the SZD-9 bis "Bocian 1E" before being cleared for further solo flights.
- The incident was discussed with glider pilots to emphasize the importance of proper pre-flight and pre-takeoff inspections.
- Ground crew and launch personnel were instructed on best practices for verifying canopy security on SZD-9 bis gliders used for solo launches.