What happened
On August 31, 2024, at approximately 11:30 UTC, a private glider flight operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) experienced an accident at Vesthimmerland (EKVH). The aircraft, a Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES with registration OY-XXS, was performing a landing on grass runway 29.
As the pilot was leveling off for the landing within the northern safety zone, the aircraft's tailwheel made contact with the asphalt edge of a crossing taxiway. This impact caused significant structural damage to the fiberglass construction surrounding the tailwheel assembly. The incident occurred during daylight hours under clear visual meteorological conditions.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) received notification of the accident from the Danish Glider Union (DSvU) later that afternoon. The investigation focused on the flight path during the landing phase and the physical interaction between the aircraft and the airfield infrastructure, specifically the intersection of the grass runway and the asphalt taxiway.
Findings
- The primary cause of the structural damage was the impact between the tailwheel and the edge of an asphalt taxiway during the flare maneuver.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage to its fiberglass tail section.
- There was one serious injury recorded among the crew/passengers.