What happened
On May 3, 2008, at 15:19 UTC, a LAK-12 glider, registration S5-3110, was conducting a local soaring flight originating from Ajdovščina. The flight path had taken the aircraft over various landmarks, including Monte Elmo and the Banska plain. During the flight, the pilot encountered rain showers near the Šempas area. Although the onboard computer indicated sufficient glide range to reach the destination, the pilot realized while over the Skril area that the aircraft would be unable to reach the Ajdovščina aerodrome.
Due to the proximity of the settlement in Cesta, the pilot attempted an off-field landing on a meadow situated between the Nova Gorica – Ajdovščina highway and a railway line. Approximately 200 meters before reaching the intended landing site, the pilot observed a roadside utility pole on the right side of the aircraft at a low altitude. Despite an evasive maneuver, the right wing struck the pole, causing the aircraft to spin to the right. The left wing subsequently struck the highway median barrier, and the aircraft came to rest on the roadway. The pilot was able to egress the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, the aircraft's technical state, and the sequence of events leading to the impact. Investigators analyzed weather data from the Slovenian Environment Agency, which confirmed the presence of convective clouds and moderate rain showers in the Vipava Valley during the time of the accident. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's structural damage, noting that the LAK-12 suffered 100% damage, including destruction of the nose, cockpit structure, control mechanisms, and both wings.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude due to shifting wind directions and gusty conditions.
- The pilot attempted an emergency landing on a meadow to avoid populated areas.
- The impact with the roadside pole was unavoidable at the low altitude maintained during the maneuver.
- The aircraft's structural integrity was compromised by the impact with the pole and the highway median barrier.