Incident Overview
On August 4, 2024, at approximately 13:36 local time, a Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 R "Super Dimona" powered sailplane crashed into a field during its landing approach at the airfield in Porta Westfalica. The incident resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and heavy damage to the aircraft.
Flight Details and Pilot Information
The flight began at 12:39 from the glider field "Große Höhe" near Delmenhorst. The 54-year-old student pilot, holding an EU SPL license with powered sailplane privileges, was conducting a solo visual flight rules (VFR) mission. He had approximately 97 hours of total flight experience, including about 10 hours on motor gliders within the previous two years.
Accident Sequence and Findings
Witnesses reported that the aircraft descended from a height of roughly 10 meters above ground level before impacting the terrain. The pilot stated that the approach was normal until he noticed a sudden drop in altitude, prompting him to increase engine power. The aircraft then struck a cornfield located approximately 328 meters from the threshold of Runway 23.
Investigation findings indicated that the first ground contact occurred with the propeller and the right main landing gear. The fuselage broke forward of the vertical stabilizer, and both propeller blades were severed. The spoilers were found in a retracted position but were not locked. No fire occurred following the impact. Meteorological conditions at the time included visibility greater than 10 km, wind from 270° at 10 kt, and a temperature of 20 °C.