Glider crash during landing at Rødekro Flyveplads

Casualties unknown • Roedekro, DK

A Schempp-Hirth Janus CM glider sustained significant damage after a hard landing at a Danish airfield on April 25, 2021.

What happened

On April 25, 2021, a private glider flight operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) ended in an accident at Rødekro Flyveplads. The aircraft, a Schempp-Hirth Janus CM with registration OY-XVE, was performing a local flight. During the landing phase on runway 33, the pilot attempted to flare the aircraft at approximately two meters above the runway surface. However, the glider failed to maintain sufficient altitude, sank, and struck the runway with significant force.

The weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear, with daylight and visibility exceeding 10 kilometers. Winds were recorded at 300 degrees with a strength of 10 knots, and turbulence was reported as weak.

The investigation

The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) conducted an initial safety investigation into the event. The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing and the resulting structural damage to the aircraft. Following the initial assessment, the board determined that no further safety investigation was required under EU Regulation 996/2010 and the Danish Civil Aviation Act.

Probable cause

The glider struck the runway with excessive force after the pilot's attempt to flare the aircraft at a low altitude failed to prevent the aircraft from sinking into the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null aircraft accident near Roedekro, DK?

A Schempp-Hirth Janus CM glider sustained significant damage after a hard landing at a Danish airfield on April 25, 2021.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration OY-XVE, at Roedekro, DK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The glider struck the runway with excessive force after the pilot's attempt to flare the aircraft at a low altitude failed to prevent the aircraft from sinking into the ground.

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