Accident Details
On July 19, 2025, at 17:03 local time, the glider IS-29D2, registration YR-1550, struck the ground near Caracal, Olt County, Romania. The accident occurred at coordinates 44°07'54.0"N / 024°18'06.0"E, on the territory of Drăghiceni commune. The pilot, who had been participating in the 65th National Gliding Championship, was declared deceased by emergency medical personnel. The glider was destroyed.
Earlier that day, at 12:52, the glider had been towed by a Maule MT-7-235 Super Rocket (YR-VLR) from Craiova-Sud aerodrome to an altitude of 600 meters near Podari. The glider released at 12:57 and proceeded toward Caraula. The flight proceeded normally, and the pilot used updrafts to climb, reaching a maximum altitude of 2300 meters near Vlășcuța. While flying between Vlășcuța and Celaru, northwest of Caracal, the glider descended to 400 meters, and the pilot decided to perform an off-field landing. During the final approach, the glider overshot the intended landing spot, and the pilot executed a turn. During the turn, the glider struck the ground.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The glider was an IS-29D2, serial number 152, manufactured in 1981 by S.C. Construcții Aeronautice S.A. It was owned by Aeroclubul României and registered in Romania as YR-1550. The pilot, a 24-year-old male, held a valid glider pilot license and medical certificate. His total glider flight experience was 191 hours.
Investigation
The investigation is being conducted by the Romanian Aviation Safety Investigation Authority (AIAS). Activities have included initial site investigation, video and photographic documentation, collection of preliminary information, and download of data from flight recorders (LXNAV NANO and FLYWITHCE). Witness interviews have been conducted. The final report, including probable cause and safety recommendations, will be published upon completion.