What happened
On July 8, 2021, during a competition task for the Swedish gliding championships, a pilot operating an LS 3 glider, registration D-2756, was forced to perform an outlanding near Allsarp. After two hours of flight, the pilot noted deteriorating weather conditions and weakening thermals, necessitating a landing on a small nearby field.
Due to the limited size of the landing area, the pilot executed a landing circuit that was significantly tighter and lower than standard procedures. During the approach, the pilot maintained a higher speed to avoid a stall, reaching approximately 110 km/h at touchdown. Upon contact with the ground, the aircraft bounced, causing the pilot to apply heavy braking. This resulted in a rightward yaw and a ground loop, with the aircraft coming to a stop 100 meters into the field. The pilot escaped without injury, but the aircraft sustained significant damage to the fuselage, ailerons, and fin.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the flight data from the aircraft's GPS, interviewed the pilot, and reviewed the landing site. The investigation focused on the flight path, the environmental conditions, and the mechanical state of the landing gear. Investigators analyzed the landing circuit dimensions, noting that the final approach was only 330 meters long. They also examined the landing gear mechanism, discovering that while the cockpit lever indicated the gear was retracted, the wheel bay doors were unfolded, and the main wheel appeared to have been extended during the impact.
Findings
- The landing circuit was reduced in size relative to the field, which restricted the pilot's ability to manage the approach and landing path.
- The downwind leg was flown over high terrain at an insufficient altitude.
- A prevailing tailwind was present during the approach.
- The gas damper responsible for holding the landing gear in the extended position was defective, providing insufficient locking force.
Safety action
No safety recommendations were issued as a result of this investigation.