What happened
On May 3, 2016, a PIK-20 D glider departed from the Klix glider airfield via aero-tow to participate in a competition flight. After approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes of flight time, the pilot began her approach to the airfield. GPS data and radio communications indicated that the pilot intended to fly over the finish line and perform a shortened circuit for landing.
At approximately 16:33, the aircraft flew over the finish line at an altitude of roughly 10 meters with a ground speed of approximately 180 km/h. Witnesses observed that the landing gear was retracted during this overflight. Shortly after passing the finish line, the aircraft suddenly transitioned from level flight into a steep nose-down pitch. The glider struck the ground with the underside of the forward cockpit area and the leading edges of both wings, subsequently flipping over. The pilot sustained fatal injuries at the scene, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the flight path using GPS data, which showed the pilot had left her final thermal at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters and maintained high approach speeds between 150 and 210 km/h. Technical examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical failures; all structural connections were intact, and the flap lever was found in a position between +4° and +8°.
Investigators noted that the PIK-20 D features a retractable landing gear. Due to the aircraft's design, operating the landing gear requires the pilot to move the control stick from the right hand to the left hand, as the gear lever is only accessible with the right hand. The investigation focused on the pilot's attempt to change the aircraft's configuration (extending gear and adjusting flaps) while at an extremely low altitude.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to transition the glider into a landing configuration at a very low altitude and high airspeed.
- The process of extending the landing gear necessitated a change in hand position on the control stick.
- Unintentional elevator input during this configuration change caused a sudden, rapid loss of altitude.
- The low altitude and high speed left no margin for recovery before ground impact.