Incident Overview
On 26 June 2024, at approximately 05:40 local time, a training glider flight was conducted at Wrocław Szymanów airfield (EPWS) using winch launch. The aircraft, a SZD-9 1E Bocian registered as SP-3107, carried a student pilot and an instructor. Immediately after liftoff, as the instructor assisted the student in establishing a steep climb, the rear cabin canopy opened and separated from the glider. The instructor took control, completed the climb, released the towline, performed a small circuit over the airfield, and landed. The rear canopy was damaged in the incident.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination of the detached canopy revealed that the spring that presses the rear canopy lock latch had fractured. This spring failure prevented the lock from securing the canopy. The investigation identified a contributing factor: natural irregularities in the grassy surface of the airfield, which may have induced vibrations or shocks during takeoff.
Causal Factors
Probable cause: fracture of the spring that presses the rear canopy lock latch. Contributing factor: natural unevenness of the grassy airfield surface.
Safety Actions
Following the incident, all flights were suspended, and the event was discussed with student pilots. Additionally, emergency procedures (task I, exercise 4) were reviewed. No safety recommendations were issued by the commission.