What happened
On April 28, 2023, at approximately 14:30 local time, a 1:2 scale ASG-29 glider was performing an aerotow at the Rønneld model aircraft airfield near Skjeberg, Norway. During the takeoff sequence, the glider veered off its intended course and struck a German guest pilot who was standing near the edge of the runway. The impact occurred at the back of the individual's head, causing him to lose consciousness for several minutes. The injured person was subsequently transported to a hospital by ambulance and remained hospitalized for 11 days.
The investigation
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) examined the circumstances surrounding the event, focusing on why the individual was positioned in the path of the aircraft and why the takeoff was not aborted. The investigation noted that the event, originally planned for Lunde airfield, had been relocated to Rønneld due to poor runway conditions at the primary site.
Investigators reviewed safety briefings provided to guest pilots, which included simultaneous German translation. The inquiry also looked into the local safety regulations of the Sarpsborg model aircraft club, specifically regarding where pilots should stand during aerotow operations. The investigation found that while a safety briefing had been conducted, the wording of the local rules regarding pilot positioning was somewhat ambiguous.
Findings
Several contributing factors were identified in the accident. The investigation concluded that inadequate clearance of the area surrounding the runway prevented the crew from spotting the person before the aircraft departed.
Key findings included:
- Misunderstandings regarding local safety regulations and potential language barriers contributed to the pilot's presence near the runway edge.
- The local rules contained ambiguities that allowed for different interpretations of where pilots should stand during active aerotows.
- The injured pilot did not recall the moments leading up to the accident or his decision to move toward the pilot stand.
Safety action
As a result of the findings, the NSIA has issued a safety recommendation to the Model Aircraft Section of the Norwegian Air Sports Federation (NLF). The recommendation suggests amending the requirements for issuing remote pilot licenses to include a mandatory verification of the candidate's understanding of specific local safety rules for model aircraft operations.