Event Summary
On 26 July 2025, glider operations were conducted from runway 30 at EPPL. At 12:30 LMT, a tow plane and a SZD-42-2 "Jantar 2B" glider (registration SP-3062) began the takeoff roll. Shortly after starting, the glider's left (windward) wingtip caught the grass. The resulting forces caused an immediate and significant loss of directional control, which the glider pilot could not counteract. The pilot released the tow rope but could not change the glider's trajectory. The glider moved toward a nearby parking area and collided with a parked car. People in the area fled, fearing the collision. No injuries occurred. The glider suffered damage and was classified as requiring inspection and repair; the car was also damaged.
Cause and Contributing Factors
The investigation identified the following causes and contributing factors:
1. Improper positioning of the glider launch area by the flight organizer: The launch layout did not account for the possibility that, if directional control was lost during takeoff, the aircraft could become a hazard to the parking area, which was located on the windward side of the airfield and too close to the runway. 2. Possible incorrect takeoff technique by the glider pilot: The pilot may have failed to compensate for the crosswind component and the handling characteristics of an open-class glider, contrary to standard operating procedures. 3. Side gusts of wind: Gusts may have hindered the pilot's ability to maintain lateral balance of the high-wing glider during the initial takeoff roll.
Preventive Actions
The investigating entity proposed the following actions, which were accepted:
1. The pilot was briefed on correct takeoff technique for open-class gliders. 2. The flight organizer will pay attention to takeoff and landing conditions, considering not only weather (including possible wind effects) but also pilot experience and aircraft types. Inoperative procedures will be reviewed accordingly. 3. During pre-flight briefings, the organizer will discuss safety aspects related to aborted takeoffs.