What happened
On 5 June 2015, a Ventus 2-cM sailplane, registration D-KYDM, was conducting a private flight from Höganäs toward Feringe. After climbing to 1,000 meters, the pilot shut down the engine and retracted the propeller pylon as part of the standard transition to gliding flight. During the flight, the pilot observed that thermal conditions were weaker than anticipated, leading to a loss of altitude.
As the aircraft passed north-east of Munka-Ljungby, the pilot identified a suitable outlanding field and attempted to restart the engine. Despite extending the propeller pylon, the engine failed to ignite. The pilot subsequently abandoned the restart attempt and prepared for a landing in the designated field. During the final approach, the pilot identified a fence positioned approximately 45 degrees to the left. In an effort to avoid the obstacle, the pilot executed a shallow turn to the right. This maneuver caused the right wingtip to strike the ground, triggering a sudden yaw and a ground loop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a severed rear fuselage and damage to the ailerons and flaps, though the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) conducted an investigation involving interviews with the pilot and an analysis of GPS log data. The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical state, specifically noting that the pilot had experienced a tripped fuse during the pylon extension and had encountered engine starting difficulties on the ground the previous day. The GPS data confirmed the flight path and the sequence of events during the landing phase.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the fence was detected too late during the landing sequence.
- Thermal conditions in the area were insufficient to maintain flight through gliding alone.
- The pilot's decision to head toward a landing field before attempting the engine restart suggests an awareness of the potential for engine failure.
- The aircraft's engine failed to start during the in-flight attempt, following previous electrical issues and ground-based starting difficulties.