What happened
On October 23, 2010, a pilot launched a SZD-30 Pirat glider from the grass runway at Ballenstedt aerodrome using a winch launch. The objective of the flight was to engage in lee wave soaring. After reaching an unhooking altitude of approximately 400 meters, the pilot attempted to find the wave north of the airfield. At the time, the airfield was experiencing strong winds from the southwest.
Witnesses observed the glider entering the southern circuit of the airfield, during which it lost a significant amount of altitude. The aircraft reached a position on the downwind leg at an altitude of only about 90 meters. While maneuvering to align with the landing direction, the glider struck trees and subsequently crashed into a fallow field adjacent to the airfield. The pilot was seriously injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot was an experienced glider pilot with nearly 300 hours of flight time, though he had only nine hours of experience specifically on the SZD-30 Pirat model.
Technical examination of the glider revealed no mechanical failures or defects. However, investigators determined that the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight had been exceeded by approximately 13 kg. The investigation also noted that the site of the crash was roughly 110 meters from the takeoff point, and the impact with the trees caused the aircraft to spin 180 degrees before coming to rest.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the significant loss of altitude during the maneuvering phase of the flight.
- Strong winds and heavy gusts were present at the airfield during the occurrence.
- The aircraft was operating in an overloaded condition, exceeding its maximum takeoff weight by 13 kg.