Incident Overview
On April 22, 2019, a two-seat SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" glider manufactured by PZL-Bielsko-Biala (serial number B-1335) was involved in an accident near the special landing site Schwarzheide (EDBZ) in Germany. The aircraft, built in 1983 and owned by a club, was destroyed upon impact with a pine forest approximately two kilometers northwest of the airfield. Both occupants, the pilot and a passenger, sustained serious injuries.
Flight Sequence
The glider launched via aerotow at 11:35 local time for a cross-country flight. After releasing from the tow plane over Senftenberg, the pilot attempted to gain altitude using thermal updrafts. GPS data indicated the aircraft reached a maximum height of approximately 1,000 meters above ground level north of the airfield. The flight path subsequently included a northwest leg and a southern leg. At 12:15, the recorded data ended with the aircraft at 80 meters altitude and descending at over 6 m/s.
Investigation Findings
The German Federal Aviation Office (BFU) concluded its investigation summarily under § 18 FlUUG, focusing solely on facts. The pilot, a 45-year-old holder of a valid glider pilot license with approximately 319 hours of experience, had completed a check ride in the same type just three weeks prior. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with clear skies and light winds. Examination of the wreckage revealed severe structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and canopy, but no technical defects or mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors.