What happened
On June 26, 2024, at approximately 05:40 LMT, a training flight was conducted at Wrocław Szymanów Airport (EPWS) using a winch launch method. The aircraft, an SZD-9-1E Bocian with registration SP-3107, was carrying an instructor and a student pilot.
Immediately after takeoff, while the instructor was assisting the student pilot in establishing a steep climb, the rear cockpit canopy opened and detached from the aircraft. The instructor took control of the glider, completed the climb, released the towline, and performed a short circuit over the airfield before landing safely. The incident resulted in damage to the rear canopy.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined the aircraft and the detached component following the event. An inspection of the rear canopy revealed that the spring responsible for applying pressure to the rear canopy locking mechanism had failed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the fracture of the spring that secures the rear canopy locking mechanism.
- Natural irregularities in the grass runway surface acted as a contributing factor to the event.