Accident Summary
On 7 August 2025, at approximately 12:10 local time, a pilot holding an SPL license began the takeoff run on runway 31 at EPGI (Lisie Kąty) in a SZD-55-1 glider, registration SP-3852. The glider was towed by a PZL-101 Gawron using a synthetic tow rope approximately 30 meters long, attached to the front hook. The pilot, who was experienced, was aware of the limited lateral control effectiveness of the SZD-55-1 during takeoff with a crosswind. The wind was blowing from the left. Before starting, the pilot slightly opened the air brakes as per the glider's flight manual and deflected the rudder to the right to counter the wind. Despite these precautions, shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the glider veered to the left, into the wind, and the left wingtip contacted the grass. The pilot attempted to correct but could not regain control. The tug aircraft's powerful engine caused a sudden change in direction to the right as the glider was jerked. The glider briefly became airborne for about one second, during which the pilot released the tow rope. The glider then struck the ground hard, performed a ground loop, and came to rest about 100 degrees from the intended takeoff direction. The pilot was not injured, but the glider sustained serious damage.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control during the glider's takeoff run behind the tow aircraft, likely resulting from an attempt to close the air brakes that had been deliberately extended for takeoff.
Contributing Factors
The following factors were identified as contributing to the accident:
- Limited effectiveness of the ailerons on the SZD-55-1 during the initial takeoff roll when speed is low.
- Thermals and gusty wind from variable directions, divergent from the runway axis, which made takeoff more difficult.
- Competitive pressure on the pilot, which influenced the decision to try to regain lateral balance during the takeoff roll rather than aborting the takeoff, in order to avoid losing the starting position.
Investigation Outcome
The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) reviewed the submitted report and, finding the information sufficient and unambiguous, decided to close the investigation. No preventive actions or safety recommendations were proposed.