General Information
On 19 May 2024 at 13:30 UTC, a Rolladen-Schneider LS-4 glider registered OY-MXS was involved in an accident during an approach to Slaglille Airfield (EKSL), Denmark. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) as a school training operation. The glider sustained substantial damage. The single occupant, a 16-year-old student pilot, sustained minor injuries.
Flight Sequence
The purpose of the flight was maintenance training, as the student had previously completed his practical schooling. Before departure, the day's instructor briefed the student to remain within gliding distance of EKSL. The student launched via winch on runway 09 and flew for several hours in the area around EKSL, as well as over the towns of Sorø, Dianalund, Sørbymagle, and Slagelse.
After approximately three hours of flight, while positioned south of Slagelse, the student set course for EKSL. The student realized the altitude was insufficient to reach EKSL and decided to fly past Sorø toward EKSL before selecting a suitable field for an outlanding. After passing Sorø, the student chose a long wheat field oriented northward and landed the glider approximately two-thirds of the way into the field. During the landing roll, the glider passed over a ditch or elevation in the field that the student had not seen from the air. Crossing this feature at about 70 km/h resulted in structural damage to the glider.
The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions (VMC).
Aircraft Damage
The forward underside of the glider sustained scratches and scrape marks. The wheel box cracked around the bolts attaching the main wheel suspension.
Personnel Information
The student pilot was 16 years old and had accumulated 67 flight hours and 206 launches at the time of the accident. He had completed the practical training required for a sailplane pilot license (SPL) but had yet to pass one theory subject before taking a skill test.
Investigation
The Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) conducted an initial safety investigation. In accordance with Article 5 of EU Regulation 996/2010 and Section 138 of the Danish Air Navigation Act, the Board decided not to pursue further investigation. The safety investigation was closed with this statement, as per Article 16 of EU Regulation 996/2010 and Section 143 of the Danish Air Navigation Act.