Fatal Glider Accident at Malsch Airfield

Incident Overview and Flight Sequence On May 20, 2024, a single-seat DG-300 ELAN glider, manufactured by Elan Tovarna Sportnega Orodja, crashed into a forested area approximately 650 meters southeast of runway 07 at the Malsch glider airfield. The incident occurred during a local cross-country gliding competition. The aircraft was winch-launched at 12:07 local time toward runway 07. Witnesses reported that the initial climb to safety altitude was unusually shallow. The glider reached a release height of approximately 320 meters above ground level before the pilot began a right-hand circuit to search for thermal lift, which proved unsuccessful. As the aircraft reached the base of the approach, multiple witnesses noted that both its altitude and speed were significantly lower than normal. GPS data indicated the glider was at approximately 160 meters altitude at the 'position' mark, while a nearby pilot's navigation system recorded an altitude of about 140 meters and a sink rate of 3 m/s. The standard altitude at this point is typically around 200 meters. During the turn from the crosswind leg to the final approach, the retractable landing gear was not extended. Ground speed decreased from approximately 80 km/h to 62 km/h. After completing the turn, the gear was extended, but the glider entered a left turn, banked to the right, and crashed into the trees with a significant longitudinal pitch at approximately 12:11 local time. The 52-year-old pilot sustained severe injuries and died two days later in the hospital. The aircraft was destroyed, and forest damage occurred.