What happened
On July 2, 2001, a Schleicher ASW 19 B glider was participating in a competition flight as part of the Lower Saxony Gliding Championships. The pilot departed from Rotenburg (Wümseb) and, after approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes of flight time, attempted an off-field landing near Espelkamp.
GPS data from the aircraft's logger revealed that the pilot had been circling for thermals at altitudes between 100 and 250 meters. During the final approach, the pilot attempted to land on a 300-meter stretch of meadow running parallel to a road. However, shortly before reaching a high-voltage power line that crossed the path, the pilot executed a sudden left turn to avoid the wires and target a different field. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground at high speed. The impact was exacerbated by a 50 cm high ground swell that was nearly invisible from the air. The aircraft's landing gear remained retracted at the time of impact. The collision resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path using GPS data and inspected the wreckage. Investigators noted significant damage to the cockpit, fuselage, tail, and left wing. A critical part of the investigation focused on the headrest assembly mounted on the seat shell. The investigation found that the headrest cushion had been displaced from the wreckage, and the adjustment mechanism for both height and tilt showed signs of wear. Medical examinations determined that the fatal injuries were caused by the intense impact, which resulted in head and spinal injuries, though the pilot had also sustained non-life-threatening injuries due to the shifting headrest.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident:
- The pilot decided too late to select a landing site and initiate the off-field landing procedure.
- The pilot failed to notice the high-voltage power line in the final approach phase.
- The pilot overlooked a ground swell perpendicular to the landing direction.
- The pilot was likely under significant stress, as evidenced by the failure to extend the landing gear.
- The headrest adjustment mechanism was worn, which contributed to the displacement of the cushion during the impact.
Safety action
Following the findings regarding the headrest assembly, the BFU issued safety recommendation 12/2001 to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt. The recommendation advises that aircraft manufacturers should implement measures to prevent the headrest tilt angle from adjusting spontaneously and to ensure the cushion remains secure during hard landings.