What happened
On August 6, 2024, a Schleicher ASW 15 glider, registration D-0747, was participating in a local competition flight departing from Arnborg (EKAB). During the flight, the pilot experienced a significant loss of altitude because of a lack of thermal lift. As the aircraft descended, the pilot determined that the flight altitude had become too low to continue the intended flight path.
In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot evaluated nearby landing options. While grass fields were available in the vicinity, the pilot judged them to be too short to ensure a safe landing. Consequently, the pilot selected a field of corn, which was approximately 80 centimeters in height, for an emergency landing. The aircraft successfully reached the ground, but the impact with the tall crop caused structural damage to the glider.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) conducted an initial safety investigation into the event. The investigation confirmed that the flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in daylight. The investigation established that the primary reason for the landing was the depletion of altitude caused by insufficient thermals. Following the initial assessment, the board decided not to pursue further formal investigation steps and closed the case with this statement.
Findings
- The primary cause of the emergency landing was insufficient thermal lift, which led to a critical loss of flying altitude.
- The pilot's decision to land in a cornfield was driven by the assessment that available grass strips were too short for a safe touchdown.
- The landing resulted in no injuries to the pilot.
- The aircraft sustained damage specifically to a mounting bracket on the elevator.