Introduction
On 26 February 2022, at approximately 16:15 local time, a Jonker JS-MD 3 Rapture glider, registered D-KXBL, experienced an accident during an off-airport landing at Hudi kot, Ribnica na Pohorju, Slovenia. The single-seat aircraft, manufactured by M & D Flugzeugbau GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) in 2021, was equipped with a retractable jet sustainer engine. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Flight Details
The private VFR flight departed from Moškanjci airfield via aero-tow with the purpose of maintaining glider pilot qualifications. Favorable northern and northeastern winds allowed ridge soaring over northeastern and northwestern Slovenia and the Karnic Alps in Austria, where the pilot reached an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters. After several hours, the pilot began the return flight along a planned route. While between Radlje ob Dravi and Ribnica na Pohorju, the pilot determined that the remaining altitude and weather conditions—characterized by an absence of thermal lift and insufficient ridge lift—did not permit a safe return to the departure airfield.
Emergency Landing
To gain altitude, the pilot attempted to start the jet sustainer engine twice, but both attempts failed. The pilot then decided to execute an off-airport emergency landing. The chosen terrain was frozen and covered with snow. During the landing, the glider skidded, struck the terrain, and the tail structure separated. The aircraft slid across a local road, knocked down a wooden fence, and came to rest just short of a building. After coming to a stop, the pilot exited the aircraft without injury and sought assistance.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The glider, a Jonker JS-MD 3 (serial number 3.MD123), had a valid airworthiness review certificate issued by German aviation authorities, valid until 24 November 2022. It sustained damage including a broken tail section, along with fuselage and wing damage. The 41-year-old Slovenian pilot held a valid glider pilot license with ratings for aero-tow, self-launch (auxiliary motor), and winch launch, as well as a valid Class 2 medical certificate. The pilot reported 1,242 total glider hours, with 6 hours and 52 minutes on the Jonker JS-3 type, and the last flight on this aircraft was 14 days prior to the accident.