Summary
On 19 July 2025, a SZD-51-1 Junior glider (registration SP-3424) operating from EPZR airport (Żar) was involved in an accident near Międzybrodzie Żywieckie, Poland. The pilot, a 20-year-old female student pilot (SPL), executed a water landing on the Soła River after losing altitude during a thermal flight. The pilot was uninjured and exited the glider unassisted. The aircraft sustained no structural damage but was completely flooded, resulting in destruction of cockpit instruments and radio.
Event Details
The pilot arrived at EPZR in the morning, participated in pre-flight preparations, and attended the briefing. Weather conditions were typical for summer in the Beskids, with weak to moderate northwest wind. At 11:34 local time, the pilot took off behind a tow plane intending to perform a thermal flight in the airport area. After release over Czernichów, the pilot climbed to approximately 1200 m QFE (local pressure altitude above airport). The pilot then flew downwind northeast, then southeast, following the cumulus cloud street. Subsequent attempts to locate and center thermals failed, and altitude was steadily lost. Near Ślemień, at approximately 700 m QFE (500 m AGL), the pilot decided to return to EPZR upwind. The pilot did not select an off-field landing site, likely deeming the rugged, forested terrain unsuitable. Because the Jaworzyna ridge blocked a direct return to the airport, the pilot chose to circumvent the massif from the south, via Oczków and the dam at Tresna. This route precluded reaching the airport without additional altitude gain. After passing Czernichów, flying low over the Soła riverbed, the pilot decided to land on the river. A glider instructor from GSS "Żar" observed the landing and provided guidance. At 12:08, the pilot executed a straight-in water landing without incident near a beach in Międzybrodzie Żywieckie, about 1200 m from EPZR and approximately 80 m below the airport elevation. Witnesses towed the floating glider to shore, and airport personnel recovered it. Emergency services were notified but not required.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a student pilot license (SPL) obtained two weeks prior to the accident. Total glider flight experience was approximately 50 hours, including about 20 flights from EPZR.
Causes
The investigation identified the following causes and contributing factors: 1. Failure to maintain altitude during the thermal flight that would have allowed a safe return to the airport in case of loss of lift or deteriorating weather. 2. Moving away from the airport and searching for thermals downwind, beyond gliding range, without accounting for the wind significantly degrading upwind performance and for increased sink on the lee side of the Jaworzyna ridge. 3. Lack of decision to select a landing site and to land off-field after descending to 500 m AGL. 4. Failure to account for the mountainous terrain that prevented a direct approach to the airport when altitude was insufficient. 5. Lack of flight planning relative to weather conditions and pilot skills.
Safety Actions
The gliding school (GSS "Żar") implemented preventive measures requiring the pilot to complete additional training flights to assess practical skills and thermal flight tactics before resuming solo flights. No safety recommendations were issued by the investigation commission.