Incident Overview
On June 8, 2024, the Polish State Commission for Aviation Accident Investigation (PKBWL) issued a preliminary report regarding an accident involving a PDPS PZL-Bielsko SZD-50-1 "Junior" glider, registration SP-3343. The incident occurred at airport EPKM and was classified as a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). The aircraft was operated by Aeroklub Śląski for training purposes.
Flight History and Sequence of Events
The student pilot had previously completed a check flight with an instructor in an SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" glider at 15:55 LMT. Following this, the pilot was authorized to conduct a solo flight in the single-seat SZD-50-1 Junior. The mission involved a takeoff via winch launch, a circuit, and a landing on the grass portion of Runway 23.
The winch launch took place at 16:35 LMT. After releasing from the tow line at approximately 240 meters above ground level (AGL), the pilot reported the release via radio. The glider then continued in a straight flight path for about 12 seconds with increased speed and descent. Subsequently, the pilot entered a deepening right turn. The instructor on the ground observed that this maneuver deviated from the pre-flight briefing.
When queried by the instructor, the student reported losing altitude. The glider changed direction by approximately 230 degrees, flew straight for about five seconds, and then initiated another deepening right turn at an altitude of 70 to 80 meters AGL. During this second turn, the aerodynamic brakes were observed to be open. With a bank angle of approximately 45 degrees, the right wing struck the grass surface. The aircraft skidded for about 180 degrees and came to rest roughly 30 meters from the initial point of contact.
Damage and Injuries
The pilot exited the cabin independently and sustained no injuries, though they were transported to a hospital for examination as a precaution. The glider suffered serious structural damage, including significant harm to the fuselage and the horizontal stabilizer attachment. The cockpit canopy was destroyed. No other property damage was reported.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
The aircraft, serial number W-945, was built in 1986 and had a total time of 2,827 hours and 40 minutes. It held valid airworthiness certificates at the time of the accident. The pilot was a 48-year-old male student glider pilot holding a PPL(A) license. He had 3 hours and 30 minutes of type-specific experience on the SZD-50-1 Junior across 13 flights.