What happened
On July 19, 2024, a single-seat SZD-30 Pirat glider, registration SP-4028, was conducting thermal soaring flights near Leszno, Poland. Following a tow takeoff, the pilot sought thermal lift south of the airfield. After a radio message from Leszno Radio suggested the glider was entering a parachute drop zone, the pilot decided to fly southwest, away from the airfield, to find better lift.
While searching for thermals, the pilot flew as far as the S5 expressway. Upon finding no rising air, the pilot turned back toward the airfield near Lasocice and declared an intention to land on runway 05. However, during the approach, the glider encountered strong sinking air near the Leszno-Zachód highway interchange. Realizing the glider could not reach the runway, the pilot attempted to land in the fields ahead of the airfield. At approximately 16:45 LMT, while flying at a critically low altitude over road infrastructure, the left wing of the glider struck a lamp post and subsequently hit an earthen embankment. The pilot escaped the wreckage without no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the pilot's flight path, the meteorological conditions, and the radio communications between the pilot and Leszno Radio. The investigation confirmed that the SZD-30 Pirat was technically airworthy, with valid documentation and proper weight and balance. The pilot held a valid SPL license and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The investigation also reviewed the radio correspondence, noting that the message from Lesz0 Radio regarding the parachute zone was imprecise and did not clearly identify the recipient, which may have exerted pressure on the pilot.
Findings
- The pilot flew beyond the airfield traffic pattern without ensuring a return path to the airfield was possible.
- The pilot failed to select an appropriate emergency landing site once it became clear the runway could not be reached.
- The pilot initiated a turn toward the airfield too late, resulting in an approach at a critically low altitude over road infrastructure.
- Meteorological conditions, specifically the presence of strong sinking air, contributed to the loss of altitude.