What happened
On May 2, 2009, a PZL-Bielsko SZD-48-3 Jantar Standard 3 glider departed from the Klix glider airfield via aero-tow to participate in a competitive cross-country flight. The mission involved a 316 km course featuring three turning points. After approximately five hours of flight, the pilot began the return leg toward the airfield.
Data retrieved from the aircraft's GPS logger indicates that the pilot departed the final thermal at an altitude of approximately 700 m AGL. After rounding the final turning point at 420 m AGL, the aircraft maintained its best glide speed. As the flight progressed, the aircraft encountered several forested areas. Following the passage of an initial large forest block, the altitude had decreased to approximately 150 m AGL, with 5 km remaining until the airfield.
As the pilot approached a final 1.6 km stretch of coniferous forest, the altitude had dropped to less than 50 m AGL. Approximately 60 meters before reaching the edge of the trees, the glider struck the canopy. The impact caused the aircraft to pitch steeply downward, striking the ground with the cockpit. The SZD-48-3 Jantar Standard 3 sustained heavy damage, including a broken cockpit and a severely damaged tail unit. The pilot sustained one minor injury (lacerations) and was hospitalized for observation.
The investigation
The BFU examined the flight path using data from the aircraft's onboard GPS logger. The investigation reconstructed the descent profile, calculating that the aircraft's rate of descent was relatively constant following the final turn. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot was highly experienced in gliders generally, his experience in competitive cross-country flying was limited. No technical defects were found in the aircraft during the examination.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the approach situation, failing to maintain sufficient altitude to clear the final forested obstacle.
- Although suitable emergency landing sites were available between the wooded areas, the approach was continued at an dangerously low altitude.
- Insufficient altitude to clear the forest canopy was the primary cause of the collision.