What happened
On October 5, 1997, a Grob G-103 A glider was conducting a solo training flight near Eßlingen. The pilot, a student with approximately 31 total flight hours, had previously experienced difficulties with landing approaches in a specific direction and was instructed to land toward 130° instead of the standard 310°.
Following a successful winch launch, the pilot performed a left-hand circuit. During the approach, witnesses observed the glider performing several full circles. The pilot eventually transitioned to a right-hand circuit for the final approach. According to witness testimony, the airbrake flaps were not extended during this final phase.
As the aircraft approached the landing site, the nose pitched up and the glider banked slightly to the right. An instructor on the ground attempted to provide radio instructions to push the nose down, but the pilot did not respond. The glider subsequently entered a stall, pitching forward and banking right. The aircraft disappeared briefly behind trees before descending to an altitude of approximately 20 meters, where it entered a fully stalled state and impacted the ground in a wooded area. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
A BFU investigator examined the site and the wreckage. The investigation focused on the flight path, the pilot's experience, and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. The wreckage showed that the left wing had been severed due to contact with trees. All structural deformations and control surface damage were determined to be the result of the impact.
The pilot's flight history was reviewed, noting that while the pilot had 31 total hours, they had very limited experience (less than 30 minutes) on the Grob G-103 A model. The investigation also sought to determine if any medical impairment contributed to the accident, though final histological and toxicological results were unavailable to the BFU at the time of the report.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly registered and maintained, with weight and balance within limits.
- No technical malfunctions or mechanical defects were identified in the glider.
- Weather conditions were favorable, with good visibility and light winds.
- The primary cause of the accident was that the stall speed was undershot, leading to the uncontrolled flight state.
- A medical impairment of the pilot could not be definitively ruled out.