Incident Overview
On May 30, 2023, an accident occurred involving a single-seat Alexander Schleicher ASH 31 Mi motor glider at Bayreuth (EDQD), Germany. The aircraft, manufactured in 2016 with serial number 31142, was privately owned and operated by the pilot. The incident resulted in serious injury to the pilot and heavy damage to the aircraft, along with ground damage.
Flight Details
The pilot, a 71-year-old male with approximately 6,490 hours of glider experience, was participating in a sailplane competition. He had completed a 471 km cross-country task in the 18-meter class. GPS data from the LX 9000 navigation system indicated that the aircraft reached the target circle at approximately 18:00 local time. The flight recorder ended at 18:04:47, roughly 130 meters from the threshold of runway 06 (competition runway S1).
Accident Sequence
During the final approach to runway 06, the pilot reported encountering strong lee effects caused by the terrain. While in the crosswind leg, he observed two other gliders ahead and adjusted his configuration for best glide, retracting speed brakes and setting flaps to stage 4. The pilot stated that he entered a significant lee area, causing a loss of altitude. He attempted to pull up just before colliding with trees and bushes below the airfield level. The aircraft struck the vegetation, rotated around its vertical axis, and impacted the ground on a slope approximately 100 meters from the runway threshold.
Investigation Findings
The German Federal Aviation Office (BFU) concluded the investigation by presenting facts without analysis or conclusions, in accordance with EU Regulation 996/2010. The pilot sustained a stable fracture of the lumbar spine but was able to exit the cockpit. No fire occurred. Meteorological reports indicated winds from 030° at 17 knots with gusts up to 24 knots at the time of the accident.