What happened
On June 25, 2024, at Piła Aerodrome (EPPI), a student pilot was performing an auto-tow takeoff in an SZD-51-1 “Junior”, registration SP-3arm, using a high-power pickup truck and a 500-meter synthetic rope. The takeoff was conducted on a grass runway parallel to a paved surface.
During the takeoff roll, the glider failed to transition into a climb despite reaching sufficient airspeed. The aircraft maintained a continuous tilt toward the left wing and an elevated tail. The instructor on the ground issued two commands to release the tow line, but the pilot did not respond. The tow driver, hearing the command, began braking the vehicle.
As the glider approached an area of unmaintained, tall grass, the left wingtip caught the vegetation. This caused the aircraft to enter an uncontrolled rotation and an upward pitch, ultimately resulting in a vertical impact with the ground. The glider was destroyed in the crash. The pilot was extracted from the wreckage by emergency services and transported to a hospital with serious injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the student pilot had approximately 30 hours of total glider flight time, with very limited experience specifically in the SZD-51-1 “Junior” (only one one-minute flight two years prior). The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with all maintenance and documentation in order, and the weight and balance were within limits.
Investigators reviewed mobile phone footage captured by a witness, which showed the extended takeoff roll and the improper aircraft attitude. The investigation also noted that the pilot's failure to release the tow line was partially due to the aircraft's movement over uneven terrain, which prevented the pilot from reaching the release handle.
Findings
- The primary cause was an incorrect assessment of airspeed during the takeoff roll, leading to an extended ground run on the main wheel.
- The pilot failed to transition to a smooth climb despite achieving the required aerodynamic speed.
- The aircraft maintained a constant left-wing dip during the roll, which caused the wingtip to strike the tall grass.
- The pilot failed to release the tow line during the abnormal takeoff sequence.
- The survival of the pilot was aided by the use of seatbelts and the structural integrity of the cockpit, which absorbed much of the impact energy.