What happened
On May 3, 2009, a student pilot was performing a winch launch at the Kronach airfield. During the climb, the tow rope separated from the DG 300 Elan at an altitude of approximately 50 to 70 meters. Witnesses observed the glider initially banking to the left before executing a right-hand turn.
At an altitude of roughly 35 meters, the aircraft returned toward the airfield with a significant bank angle. During this maneuver, the airbrake on the right wing was extended, while the left airbrake was retracted but not locked. After a directional change of approximately 130 degrees, the glider stalled over its right wing at an altitude of about 20 meters and struck the ground. The impact resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage, the flight school's training records, and the airfield's operational procedures. The investigation focused on the sequence of events following the rope separation and the adequacy of the student's training regarding such emergencies. Investigators also reviewed the oversight provided by the regional aviation association (Luftsport Verband Bayern e.V.) and the documentation of the student's theoretical and practical training progress.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the separation of the tow rope during the winch launch.
- The student pilot's training program did not meet the required standards; specifically, the club failed to conduct mandatory rope-breakage drills as prescribed by the German Aero Club (DAeC) guidelines. Instead, the club used an unauthorized method of simulating emergencies during the landing phase.
- There were significant discrepancies and omissions in the student's training records, including incomplete documentation of her theoretical instruction.
- Oversight of the club's training operations by the regional aviation association was found to be fragmented and poorly documented.