What happened
On August 19, 2018, a Schleicher KA6-CR glider, registration OY-XMJ, was performing a final approach to runway 28 at Gørløse (EKGL) under visual flight rules. The flight was conducted as a private operation in daylight.
During the approach, the pilot encountered gusty crosswinds that necessitated significant wind correction, ranging from 30 to 40 degrees toward the south. While attempting to adjust the rudder from a large deflection to a smaller one, the pilot encountered resistance in the rudder controls. To maintain directional control, the pilot temporarily relied on aileron inputs.
As the pilot attempted further rudder corrections, the rudder appeared to jam or lock in place. Although the pilot managed to release the rudder control just before touchdown, the aircraft landed sideways and with significant force on the main wheel. This impact caused the right wingtip to strike the ground.
The investigation
An internal investigation by the glider club examined the cockpit environment. The investigation established that a depression in the glider's floor area played a role in the control issue. It was determined that the pilot's left shoe may have inadvertently lifted above the heel cap of the left rudder pedal. Consequently, during the transition from a large to a small rudder deflection, the pilot's shoe likely became wedged between the rudder pedal and the cockpit bulkhead.