Accident
On 24 April 2000, a training flight in a SZD 30 Pirat glider ended in an accident near Friedersdorf. The glider was destroyed, and the student pilot suffered minor injuries.
The flight began with a winch launch on runway 12. During the initial roll, the student pilot noticed a left bank and attempted to counter it with opposite aileron, but the glider did not respond. Ground observers also saw the displacement and tried to provide corrective instructions via radio. The student decided to continue the launch to maximum release height. After releasing the tow cable, he informed the ground about the aileron malfunction. Despite the limited control, he managed to maintain stable circling flight and approached a meadow near the airfield. During the landing attempt, the left wing made premature ground contact, causing the glider to spin violently around its vertical axis and subsequently impact the ground uncontrollably.
Investigation
An investigation officer was dispatched to the scene. Examination of the flight controls revealed that the aileron connection inside the fuselage was not attached. The securing pin for the connection was found loose inside the fuselage.
Pre-flight procedures were reviewed. All gliders used that day had undergone a pre-flight check. Prior to the flight, the student pilot reported stiff airbrakes to the flight director. A glider mechanic then inspected the aircraft, loosening various control connections to check their function. No anomalies were found, and the glider was cleared for flight. During the subsequent pre-start preparation, the disconnected aileron control went unnoticed.
The student pilot, though aware of the aileron problem during launch, correctly decided to reach release height before taking action. After release, he informed ground control but could not fully receive their responses. He managed to circle using rudder only and chose not to bail out. The ensuing circling descent brought the glider to a field next to the airfield, where the unchangeable bank angle caused the wing to strike the ground.
Findings
The glider had a valid airworthiness certificate. The accident occurred because the ailerons were not connected during start preparation, and the training flight was conducted without aileron function. The missing connection was not detected despite pre-flight control procedures designed to prevent such oversights.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by the ailerons remaining disconnected during start preparation, and the training flight being conducted without aileron function.