What happened
On May 18, 2015, a Glaser-Dirks DG-400 glider performed a self-launch from the Mönchsheide glider field, departing on runway 280°. After refueling with 20 liters of fuel, the pilot completed the takeoff without initial incident. During the downwind leg of the pattern, the engine was shut down, though the retractable propeller was not retracted.
Flight data from a FLARM device indicated the aircraft climbed to approximately 450 m AGL during the circuit before proceeding on a heading of 130° while descending. Following a 90° turn northwest of Bad Breisig, the aircraft turned to a heading of 220°. During a subsequent right-hand turn, witnesses observed the aircraft flying at an apparently too low airspeed. At an altitude of approximately 150 m, the glider banked sharply to the right and entered a steep dive, disappearing into a wooded area near the airfield.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the flight path reconstruction. The investigation found that the aircraft's left wing broke upon impact with the trees, and the tail section was torn off. The aircraft came to rest upside down on the ground. Upon inspection of the engine, the master switch was found in the "ON" position and the ignition switch in the "OFF" position. The engine and aircraft systems were found to be in good working order, with no technical defects identified. All structural damage was attributed to the impact with the trees and the subsequent ground collision.
Findings
- The aircraft was flying at an insufficient airspeed during the maneuver.
- The pilot sustained one serious injury.
- The Glaser-Dirks DG-400 was destroyed in the collision.