Accident Overview
On 18 May 2015, a Glaser-Dirks DG-400 self-launching glider operated by the pilot-owner departed from the Mönchsheide glider airfield at 13:24 local time for its first flight of the day. The aircraft had been refueled with 20 liters of fuel prior to departure. Witnesses reported that the self-launch proceeded normally, and the engine was observed being shut down approximately mid-downwind. The pilot did not retract the engine. Flight path reconstruction using Flarm data showed that the glider climbed to about 450 m above ground level (AGL) in the traffic pattern, then flew straight ahead on a heading of 130° while losing altitude. After a 90° turn northwest of Bad Breisig, the aircraft flew on a heading of 220°. It then executed another right turn, continuing northwestward. Witnesses noted that the glider appeared to be flying too slowly. From an altitude of approximately 150 m AGL, the glider rolled to the right and entered a steep descent. It was observed disappearing almost vertically into a wooded area near the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact with trees and terrain, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Pilot Information
The 66-year-old pilot held a valid, unrestricted glider pilot license with winch and aerotow endorsements. His Class 2 medical certificate, valid until 11 August 2015, carried a restriction requiring corrective lenses. He had approximately 180 total flight hours, with only 46 minutes on the DG-400 type from two aerotow launches (one on the previous day and one in September 2014). He had performed 11 self-launches on other two-seat types. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he completed three flights totaling about 1.5 hours on gliders.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a single-seat glider with a retractable engine, manufactured by Glaser-Dirks in 1988 (serial number 4-229). It had a maximum takeoff weight of 480 kg and a total flight time of approximately 856 hours. The engine was a Rotax 505. The aircraft held a valid German airworthiness certificate and was privately owned by the pilot. The last annual inspection occurred on 10 September 2014, after which two flights totaling 46 minutes were conducted.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed with 3/8 cloud cover at 1,700 ft. Wind was from the southwest at 8–11 kt. No significant meteorological phenomena were reported.
Accident Site and Wreckage Examination
The accident site was located in a wooded area east of the airfield. The glider struck trees in a very steep descent, nearly vertical. The left wing separated upon impact with the tree canopy and remained suspended above the wreckage. The fuselage came to rest inverted on the ground. The tail unit had been twisted off. The engine was found extended, and the landing gear was retracted. Examination of the cockpit revealed the master switch in the ON position and the ignition switch in the OFF position. The fuel shutoff valve was open. Functional checks of the engine revealed no technical defects. No pre-impact mechanical anomalies were found; all fractures were consistent with impact damage from the tree collision and ground contact.