Incident Description
On September 2, 2022, at approximately 13:30 local time, a pilot prepared a SZD-51-1 Junior glider (registration SP-3472) for flight and commenced a winch launch at EPBK (Białystok/Krywlany). During the ground roll, the glider unexpectedly lifted off at too low an airspeed. The pilot reacted by pushing the control stick forward aggressively. The main wheel struck the ground, causing the glider to bounce. To counter the bounce, the pilot again pushed the stick forward, resulting in the nose of the fuselage striking the ground, followed by the tail. The canopy detached, and the fuselage and tail sustained multiple cracks.
After the sequence of impacts, the pilot regained control and properly managed the airspeed, then executed a landing from an altitude of 6 to 8 meters, veering approximately 20 degrees from the launch axis. While exiting the cockpit, the pilot cut a finger. The glider was seriously damaged.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The accident investigation determined that the cause was an error in piloting technique, specifically an inability to maintain longitudinal balance of the glider and improper correction of the bounce during the initial phase of the winch launch.
Contributing factors included a possible incorrect trim setting (tail-heavy position) or the trim self-adjusting to that position during the ground run, as well as the pilot's limited flying experience.
Preventive Actions
The aircraft operator discussed the incident with the club's instructors and with pilots during a subsequent pre-flight briefing. The incident will be reviewed in detail at an aviation safety conference before the 2023 season. Glider pilots were instructed to thoroughly check cockpits before flight, considering the specific glider type. The pilot involved was required to complete at least three check flights with an instructor and pass a theoretical exam on applicable glider operating limitations before flying solo again. Additionally, pilots with fewer than 100 hours of flight time or low recent practice (or a break over 30 days) using club equipment must perform a check flight with an instructor.
No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.