What happened
On May 16, 2021, at 14:32 local time, a Schleicher ASW 24 glider departed from the Dingel glider airfield using a winch launch for a thermalling flight. Witnesses observed a normal takeoff, after which the pilot began searching for thermal lift. While performing right-hand circuits at an altitude of approximately 150 meters above ground level near the winch site, the aircraft began to stall over the right wing. The glider entered an uncontrolled flight attitude with a significant longitudinal pitch and crashed into a forested area.
The impact resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft. There was also minor damage to the ground vegetation at the site.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage at the accident site, located approximately 500 meters west of the end of runway 23. The investigation found that the forward fuselage was broken, the cockpit canopy was destroyed, and the fuselage tube had fractured. Both wings had separated from the fuselage and were broken into multiple pieces. The landing gear was found in the extended position.
Investigators attempted to retrieve data from the onboard FLARM and LX 5000 devices, but the damage to these units was too severe to allow for data extraction. A medical examination of the pilot revealed that the cause of death was multiple severe injuries sustained during the crash; no organic pre-existing conditions were found that could have contributed to the accident.
Findings
- The investigation found no technical defects in the aircraft.
- The aircraft was a single-seat, composite construction glider with a 15-meter wingspan.
- The pilot held a valid glider pilot license and was qualified for winch launches.