What happened
On October 18, 2019, a Grob Astir CS glider, registration OY-XDL, was performing a solo flight for training purposes at Kongsted (EKKS). The pilot, a student trainee, had been conducting several landings on various runways in the preceding days. During the flight in question, the aircraft was towed to an altitude of approximately 300 meters before transitioning into a landing pattern for runway 07.
As the aircraft descended through 200 meters, it encountered a headwind component. Due to a southerly wind, the approach speed on final was slightly higher than typical. Because of wet patches on the runway surface, the pilot maintained the aircraft south of the centerline. During the final stages of the approach, at an altitude of approximately 5 meters, condensation formed on the exterior of the canopy, which obscured the pilot's forward vision, though lateral visibility remained intact. The pilot used a nearby gravel road as a visual reference to maintain directional control.
During the landing rollout, the pilot spotted the silhouette of a parked glider ahead. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the pilot applied full aerodynamic braking by pulling the control stick all the way back and engaged both the air and wheel brakes. However, the effectiveness of the wheel brakes was compromised by the wet and soft condition of the runway. The left wingtip of OY-XDL struck the rudder of the parked glider, registration OY-XKO, causing the aircraft to enter a left-hand ground loop. There were no injuries resulting from the incident.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board conducted an initial safety investigation based on reports, interviews, and photographic evidence. The investigation focused on the flight path, the environmental conditions at the time of the accident, and the mechanical impact between the two aircraft. The investigation concluded after the initial safety assessment was completed.