What happened
On June 22, 2025, a pilot operating a SZD-30 Pirat, registration SP-1909, initiated a flight along the route Turbia – Zamość – Turbia. Following an unsuccessful first takeoff attempt using a winch, the pilot successfully launched on a second attempt and established contact with thermal activity. The flight proceeded normally toward Zamość, with the pilot reaching the turning point at 14:00 LMT at an altitude of 1800 m AMSL.
During the return leg to Turbia, the pilot encountered weakening thermals and an increasing headwind. Approximately 22 km from the destination airport, at an altitude of 1100 m AMSL, the pilot attempted to continue the flight to the aerodrome. After traveling 17 km, the pilot determined that the destination could not be reached. After passing a forested area, the pilot decided to perform a landing in an unprepared area. At 18:20, while approaching an uncultivated field located just beyond the forest, the glider's wing struck a tree. At an altitude of approximately 2.5 m, the aircraft entered an uncontrolled roll and struck the ground, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to exit the cockpit independently.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's decision-making process regarding flight continuation under deteriorating weather conditions, the aircraft's performance relative to the headwind, and the execution of the landing maneuver in unprepared terrain.
Findings
- The pilot made a poor decision to attempt a forced flight to the aerodrome despite unfavorable atmospheric conditions and insufficient altitude, resulting in an incorrect estimation of the glider's performance against the increasing headwind.
- The landing in unprepared terrain was necessitated by a lack of altitude to continue the flight.
- The pilot failed to properly select a landing site and bypassed standard procedures and best practices for preparing the aircraft and the pilot for an off-field landing.
Safety action
- The aero club involved has decided to provide the pilot with additional training regarding landing in restricted or limited terrain, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.