Accident Details
On 27 June 2024, at approximately 12:33 local time, a privately operated LAK-17B FES mini glider, registration LN-GLI, departed from Starmoen airfield for a cross-country flight. The pilot, a 78-year-old male with a glider pilot license and about 1,300 total flight hours, was attempting a 307 km return flight to Tronfjell. The aircraft was equipped with a front electric self-launch (FES) system and a GEN2 14S 40 Ah battery pack with a total energy capacity of 4.2 kWh.
Flight Sequence
The pilot initiated a self-launch at 12:33. After approximately 3 minutes of powered climb to about 300 m QFE, the engine was shut down. Lacking sufficient thermal lift, the engine was reactivated twice for short periods before the pilot found a strong thermal that lifted the glider to over 1,500 m QFE. The pilot then began the planned task. The highest point of the flight, 2,200 m QNH, was reached east of Alvdal. The Tronfjell turnpoint was rounded at 14:33. On the return leg, lift weakened. About 10 km north of Rena, at approximately 350 m QFE, the pilot re-engaged the engine. The record attempt was abandoned due to the technical off-field landing. The engine was used intermittently for a total of about 11 minutes. With the battery nearly depleted, the pilot assessed that returning to Starmoen was not feasible and selected a suitable field for an off-field landing.
Landing and Damage
The pilot set up a left downwind approach to a large field previously used for glider landings. On final approach at about 100–105 km/h ground speed, the left wingtip contacted the top of the barley crop, which was 60–70 cm high. The glider then rotated sharply to the left and skidded sideways until it came to a stop. The pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage: the left wing suffered compression and bending damage at the root, requiring replacement. Minor damage was found on the right wing, winglets, fuselage, and vertical fin. The barley field was damaged where the glider landed and slid.
Weather Conditions
Wind at departure was from 167° at 6–8 m/s, veering to 170° by landing. Visibility was more than 10 km, no precipitation. Thermal conditions were present with 1/8 cumulus clouds, base rising northward, maximum height 2,211 m. QNH was 1,014 hPa. Flight conditions were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) in uncontrolled airspace (Class G).
Technical Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed no pre-existing technical faults. The aircraft's documentation was in order, including a valid airworthiness review certificate and daily inspection signed by the pilot. The battery had been fully charged before the flight. The aircraft's maximum powered range is listed as about 100 km with the installed battery, and maximum altitude gain about 1,200 m.
Probable Cause
The off-field landing occurred because of diminishing lift towards the end of the day and because the motor battery was fully used during self-launch and earlier climbs during the flight.