What happened
On August 3, 2015, a Schempp-Hirth Discus-2T motorized glider departed from the Schnuckenheide-Repke glider field via winch launch for a training flight intended to gain experience with the specific aircraft type. After climbing to approximately 400 m AGL, the pilot disconnected the winch cable and started the engine to perform full circles.
Following several circuits, the pilot shut down the engine, believing it had been fully retracted. The pilot then reduced altitude to approximately 150 m AGL, entering the traffic pattern at 120 km/h and communicating landing intentions via radio. While executing a right-hand turn toward runway 29, the aircraft suddenly dropped. Witnesses and GPS data indicated that the aircraft was flying low over a forest north of the airfield at an altitude of approximately 50 m. During this turn, the aircraft pitched sharply to the right and struck the ground in a nearly vertical attitude. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including fractures to the lumbar spine and the left foot, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined GPS data, witness statements, and the wreckage of the aircraft. The investigation focused on the flight path, the state of the engine during the final approach, and the pilot's actions during the maneuver. Technical analysis of the aircraft's engine system, specifically the Oehler-Turbo-System, was also conducted to determine the status of the retractable motor at the time of impact.