What happened
On June 4, 2025, a pilot was conducting a cross-country flight over the Orawsko-Nowotarska Basin. The flight path initially moved east toward Lake Czorsztyńskie and south toward the Tatra Mountains. Seeking thermal lift, the pilot then headed north near Czarny Dunajec. Upon noticing that the necessary cumulus clouds were further north near the Osielec quarry and experiencing a loss of altitude, the pilot identified two potential emergency landing sites near Bystra Podhalańska.
After failing to find rising air near the quarry, the pilot returned toward the previously selected fields. At approximately 200 m AGL, the pilot determined that the approach to the larger field was too difficult due to terrain obstacles and opted for a second, narrower field. Although the pilot notified the "Nowy Targ Radio" via another glider's radio, the approach was complicated by an electric fence on the field's edge, forcing a late adjustment to the landing point.
FLARM data indicated the maneuvering occurred at a low altitude. The approach, performed with a tailwind, was too short, preventing the pilot from properly stabilizing the aircraft's parameters, specifically failing to eliminate a traverse. The landing took place on a sloping meadow with tall grass. During the touchdown, the left wing struck uneven terrain, causing the SZD-51-1 "Junior", registration SP-3ary68, to enter an uncontrolled vertical spin (ground loop). The impact resulted in severe structural damage to the aircraft, though the pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL examined flight data from the aircraft's FLARM device, analyzed the terrain and environmental conditions, and reviewed the pilot's experience and the organization's safety protocols.
Findings
- The improper approach was caused by poor altitude management, which led to a failure to plan a proper straight-in leg.
- The uncontrolled ground loop was the result of landing with a traverse and the left wing striking tall grass and uneven terrain.
- The pilot failed to account for a tailwind component, which significantly reduced the time available to configure the glider (establishing glide angle, eliminating traverse, and setting target speed).
- The difficult, hilly terrain and limited available landing sites acted as contributing factors.
- The pilot had limited cross-country experience, as this was their first landing outside of a controlled aerodrome.
Safety action
- The incident was reviewed within the aero club's Safety Management System (SMS).
- The organization mandated additional training for the pilot in landing in restricted terrain, involving both instructor-led and supervised solo flights.
- The organization implemented a new requirement for pilots with fewer than 100 flight hours: prior to the soaring season, they must complete at least three instructor-led and five solo landings in simulated restricted terrain on their intended glider type.