What happened
On 5 May 2018, at approximately 13:21, a towing operation was initiated at Pociūnai aerodrome involving a PZL-104 Wilga-35A, registration LY-BHK, and a LAK-12 Lietuva glider, registration LY-GCW. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to reach the necessary speed and altitude required for a successful climb.
In response to the insufficient performance of the towing aircraft, the glider pilot elected to release from the towline. While attempting to execute a turn to return for an emergency landing at the aerodrome, the LAK-12 Lietuva struck trees and crashed into a nearby forest. The impact resulted in the destruction of the glider, though the pilot sustained no injuries. The towing aircraft, LY-BHK, completed a circuit and landed safely back at the aerodrome.