What happened
On May 1, 2022, at approximately 15:01 local time, an Alexander Schleicher ASW 24 E glider was performing a winch launch from the Dillingen / Saar glider field. During the climb, at an altitude of approximately 60 meters AGL, the tow cable snapped.
Following the cable break, the pilot attempted to execute a reverse pattern to land back at the airfield. GPS data from the aircraft's FLARM device indicated that the glider initially climbed to a maximum height of 67 meters before turning east and then northwest. As the pilot attempted to turn back toward the airfield, the aircraft entered a steep bank and lost altitude rapidly. Witnesses reported that at an altitude of roughly 20 to 30 meters, the glider tilted sharply to the left, striking a tree with its left wing. The aircraft then spun and impacted the ground with its nose. The pilot sustained severe injuries to the arms, legs, and spine and was evacuated by helicopter.
The investigation
The BFU investigation focused on the sequence of events following the cable break and the mechanical state of the launch equipment. Investigators analyzed GPS data from the onboard FLARM collision warning system to reconstruct the flight path and vertical speed. The investigation also included an examination of the winch, the tow gear, and the aircraft's structural integrity.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a tow cable break occurring at a low altitude of approximately 60 meters.
- The aircraft's nose section absorbed a significant portion of the impact energy, which likely contributed to the pilot's survival.
- No technical defects were found in the glider or the winch equipment.
- The investigation of the release mechanism's weak links showed no evidence of prior damage; both the primary and the red-coded backup weak links had failed during the event.
- The pilot's flight experience was extensive, with approximately 4,490 total hours and 2,992 hours in this specific model.