On August 22, 2020, a LAK-12 (registration D-0465) was involved in an aviation accident near Ludwigshafen, Germany, LT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of height due to missing thermal lift, necessitating an off-airfield landing where a ground maneuver was required to avoid a water tank, resulting in aircraft damage. This summary draws on records from the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Service of Lithuania (TAITS).
A LAK-12 glider (D-0465) sustained damage after the pilot executed an emergency off-airfield landing to avoid a water tank, resulting in no injuries.
What happened
On 22 August 2020 at approximately 14:40 UTC, a LAK-12 glider bearing registration D-0465 was engaged in a flight when the pilot encountered a loss of altitude due to the absence of expected thermal lift. With insufficient height to return to the aerodrome, the pilot elected to perform an off-airfield landing on an adjacent open field.
During the rollout, the pilot identified a water tank situated within the landing area. To avoid a collision with this obstacle, the pilot initiated a rotation maneuver while still on the ground. This evasive action resulted in structural damage to the glider. The pilot emerged from the incident uninjured.
The investigation
The Safety Investigation Authority of the Republic Lithuania (SIA) examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of height and the subsequent emergency landing procedure. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process regarding the off-airfield site selection and the execution of the ground maneuver to avoid the static obstacle.
Probable cause
Loss of height due to missing thermal lift, necessitating an off-airfield landing where a ground maneuver was required to avoid a water tank, resulting in aircraft damage.