Mid-air collision between glider and gyrocopter at Waldeck airfield

Casualties unknown • Segelfluggelände Waldeck, DE

A student pilot in a glider was seriously injured after colliding with a departing gyrocopter during a landing approach at the Waldeck glider field.

What happened

On July 7, 2012, a collision occurred at the Waldeck glider field between a SZD-51-1 “Junior” glider and an AutoGyro MTOsport gyrocopter. The glider, operated by a student pilot, had been towed to approximately 1,000 meters and was performing its first solo landing in this specific aircraft type. During the final approach to runway 19, the glider's right wing struck the rotor blades of the gyrocopter, which was in the process of taking off.

The impact severed a portion of the glider's right wing, causing the aircraft to roll approximately 90 to 120 degrees and pitch nose-down. The glider subsequently struck the ground in an inverted position, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and one serious injury to the student pilot. The gyrocopter sustained light damage.

The investigation

The BFU investigation established that the gyrocopter pilot was performing a takeoff roll from an area of the airfield not authorized for such operations. This area was surrounded by tall trees, which likely created a blind spot for the glider pilot and obstructed the gyrocopter pilot's ability to monitor the airspace.

While the student pilot had noted the presence of the gyrocopter while circling earlier, his focus during the landing approach was concentrated on managing the unfamiliar aircraft type. The investigation also found that the flight controller's position, obscured by high vegetation, prevented a clear view of all airfield traffic. Furthermore, the supervising flight instructor was not equipped with a handheld radio, which prevented her from intervening via radio to warn the student pilot of the approaching gyrocopter.

Findings

  • Lack of sufficient visual contact between the departing gyrocopter and the landing glider.
  • The gyrocopter's takeoff from an unauthorized area near tall trees, which obstructed the pilot's view of the airspace and hid the aircraft from the glider pilot.
  • The flight controller's location, which limited visibility of the airfield traffic due to dense vegetation.
  • The student pilot's divided attention due to the challenges of flying a new aircraft type for the first time.
  • The absence of a handheld radio for the supervising instructor, preventing timely radio intervention.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the lack of adequate visual contact between the two aircraft, exacerbated by the gyrocopter's takeoff from a position obscured by trees and the flight controller's limited visibility of the airfield.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-07-07 1. PZL-Bielsko SZD-51-1 „Junior“ accident near Segelfluggelände Waldeck, DE?

A student pilot in a glider was seriously injured after colliding with a departing gyrocopter during a landing approach at the Waldeck glider field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-07-07 involved a 1. PZL-Bielsko SZD-51-1 „Junior“, at Segelfluggelände Waldeck, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the lack of adequate visual contact between the two aircraft, exacerbated by the gyrocopter's takeoff from a position obscured by trees and the flight controller's limited visibility of the airfield.

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