What happened
On July 2, 2019, at 13:28, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 20 L glider departed from the Lüsse glider airfield via winch launch. The pilot was performing a cross-country training flight, intended to follow a route via Genthin and Schoena Kolpien before returning to Lüsse.
After reaching an altitude of approximately 500 m AGL, the aircraft began searching for thermals south of the airfield. During this period, the aircraft's altitude steadily decreased, reaching approximately 160 m AGL after 11 minutes of flight. During this descent, the pilot contacted the flight controller to inquire if a winch cable was still available at the launch site, which was confirmed.
By 1s3:40, the aircraft had regained some altitude, reaching approximately 240 m AGL. After performing a left-hand circle, the pilot turned north. At 13:42:19, while flying at an altitude of 235 m AGL, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn. Flight data recorded a very rapid increase in sink rate. Witnesses observed the glider entering a spin-like motion and losing altitude rapidly. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a grain field, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot.
The investigation
The BFU examined the flight path data, witness statements, and the wreckage of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained severe structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and canopy, with the fuselage tube breaking near the tail unit. No technical defects were identified in the aircraft during the examination. The pilot, who held a valid glider pilot license and had approximately 345 total flight hours, was 51 years old. Because no autopsy was performed, the investigation could not rule out a medical impairment affecting the pilot's ability to control the aircraft.