What happened
On May 15, 2022, a Discus-2cT glider, registration OY-XZN, was performing a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight out of Kalundborg (EKKL). The flight utilized a winch launch method on the grass runway 27. During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced an insufficient winch pull, which resulted in a takeoff run longer than originally intended.
As the aircraft climbed to approximately 70 meters above ground level, the pilot noted that the winch tension continued to decrease. At an altitude of roughly 100 meters, the pilot disconnected from the winch cable. The pilot then turned north and subsequently southeast to execute a landing into the wind on the airfield's grass area. The landing was heavy, causing the left wingtip to briefly contact the ground. This contact led to a lateral skid and oscillations in the aircraft's tailplane. Just before the glider came to a complete stop, the right wingtip also struck the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the structural damage sustained during the landing sequence. Examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the attachment bracket of the tailplane. Specifically, a crack of approximately two millimeters was identified between the tailplane and the fin.
Findings
- The primary cause of the heavy landing was an insufficient winch pull during the initial launch phase, which led to an extended takeoff roll and subsequent flight profile changes.
- The landing impact caused the left wingtip to strike the ground, initiating a skid and tailplane oscillations.
- The aircraft sustained structural damage to the tailplane attachment hardware.