What happened
On August 24, 2024, at the Gliwice Aerodrome (EPGL), a student pilot was conducting solo glider training using a winch launch method. The aircraft involved was an SZD-9 bis 1E "Bocian", registration SP-3046. The flight was intended to be the student's third solo flight and the first of the day, following a successful check flight with an instructor.
After the winch launch at 18:16 LMT, the glider climbed and released the towline at approximately 300 m AGL. While the initial maneuvers were correct, the student performed the third turn of the aerodrome circuit too close to the airfield. Despite the instructor issuing two radio commands to deploy air brakes to reduce altitude, the student did not comply. The student continued to the fourth turn, which was executed at an altitude of approximately 120 m, dangerously close to the runway threshold.
Upon reaching the straight portion of the approach, the student deployed the air brakes and entered a dive, significantly increasing the aircraft's speed. The student attempted to land at the three-quarter mark of the runway but failed to properly flare or maintain control. The glider struck the surface with excessive speed, bounced, and lost directional control, performing a circular motion during the rollout. The student exited the cockpit without injuries, though the aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the student's training progress, and the instructor's radio communications. The commission reviewed the student's training records, noting that training had begun in August 2023 and, prior to the incident, consisted of 5 hours and 15 minutes of dual instruction and 12 minutes of solo flight time across two previous sessions.
Findings
- The primary cause was the incorrect construction of the aerodrome circuit, specifically performing the third turn too close to the airfield.
- The student failed to correct the aircraft's position and altitude following the third turn.
- The student did not respond to the instructor's radio commands regarding the use of air brakes.
- The approach was conducted at a significantly increased speed due to the dive initiated after deploying brakes.
- The landing technique was improper, characterized by a lack of sufficient flare and an inability to manage the resulting aerodynamic stall/drop.
- Contributing factors included a prolonged training period with significant gaps between flight sessions.
Safety action
- The training organization reviewed the incident with its instructional staff during a safety meeting.
- It was decided that the student must undergo additional flight training with an instructor before being permitted to perform further solo flights.