Incident Overview
On September 9, 2024, at approximately 12:00 UTC, a private visual flight rules (VFR) operation involving a Scheibe SF 25 C Falke with registration OY-HXP resulted in an accident at Fur Airport (EKFU). The aircraft was en route from Arnborg (EKAB) to Fur. The pilot, a 67-year-old male holding a valid Sailplane Pilot License (SPL), had no prior landing experience at EKFU.
Operational Details
Before the flight, the pilot measured the runway via an online service, noting it was 600 meters long and 20 meters wide. During the approach to Runway 30, the pilot flew a left-hand pattern with a crosswind. At approximately 70 meters altitude on final approach, the pilot observed corn crops growing within 1.5 meters of the runway edge. These crops were estimated to be 2–3 meters high.
Accident Sequence
The pilot focused on avoiding excessive flare due to potential visual illusions caused by the tall vegetation. The aircraft landed approximately 4 meters left of the centerline. Although the pilot perceived the landing as good, the left wing made contact with the corn crops. This impact caused the motorsailplane to yaw to the left. The aircraft slid sideways for about 50 meters before coming to rest in the crops to the left of the runway.
Damage and Investigation
The accident occurred in daylight under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). Structural damage was sustained to the tail section and the outer wooden panel of the left wing. There were no fatalities or serious injuries; one minor injury was reported for the pilot. The Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority’s Accident Investigation Board (Havarikommissionen) notified relevant authorities, including EASA and the German Federal Office for Aviation Safety Investigation (BFU). Following an initial safety investigation, the board decided not to conduct further investigations in accordance with EU Regulation 996/2010 and closed the case with this statement.