What happened
On July 24, 2013, a SCHEMLEPP-HIRTH Nimbus-2C glider, registration EC-DIE, was performing a private flight at the Fuentemilanos aerodrome in Segovia, Spain. During the landing phase on runway 34, the pilot executed a "long landing" at speeds significantly exceeding the manufacturer's recommendations.
As the aircraft was rolling down the runway, a gust of wind caused the left wing to lift and the right wing to dip, striking the grass verge outside the paved surface. This impact caused the aircraft to pivot sharply to the right. The sudden lateral forces during this maneuver caused the fuselage to break at the base of the vertical stabilizer. The pilot lost control, and the glider veered off the runway, eventually striking the aerodrome's perimeter fence. The impact with the fence caused the structure to collapse onto the cockpit, temporarily trapping the pilot inside until bystanders could assist with the release.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the aircraft's flight data via the installed FLARM system, which provided precise telemetry regarding approach and landing speeds. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's licenses, maintenance records, and meteorological data from the Segovia station.
Investigators analyzed the aircraft's flight manual, which recommends approach speeds between 75–80 km/h and landing speeds between 60–65 km/h to avoid long landing rolls. The FLARM data revealed that the pilot approached at speeds consistently above 82 km/h and touched down at approximately 82 km/h. Furthermore, the investigation found that the pilot applied little to no braking force during the initial stages of the landing roll. The investigation also cleared the aerodrome's flight manager of any pressure to expedite the landing, noting that there was no significant traffic congestion at the time.
Findings
- The pilot was flying with valid licenses and a current medical certificate.
- The SCHEMPP-HIRTH Nimbus-2C was properly maintained and within weight and balance limits.
- Meteorological conditions were generally favorable, though a crosswind component was present.
- The pilot's decision to perform a long landing at speeds exceeding manufacturer recommendations was the primary cause of the accident.
- The presence of a crosswind acted as a contributing factor, making the high-speed, long-landing technique particularly unstable.