What happened
On April 30, 1997, at approximately 13:30, a hang gliding accident occurred on the summit of Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. The pilot, an experienced instructor, was participating in a spring training camp with the Pallas Hang Gliding Club. The flight began with a winch launch from the ice of Kilpisjärvi for slope soaring.
After approximately two hours of flight, the pilot attempted to land on the summit of Saana fell. Although a local paraglider had previously traveled to the summit by snowmobile to warn of difficult conditions, the pilot proceeded with approach maneuvers. During the approach, the right wingtip of the Airwave Klassic (registration 441) struck a small mound, causing the glider to bank and turn to the right. Additionally, the proximity of a cliff created a strong updraft that further pushed the glider into a right-hand turn toward a headwind.
Unable to recover to a headwind approach, the pilot was forced to execute a headwind landing. While the landing was controlled, the high ground speed remained excessive upon impact. The pilot attempted to brace for the impact with his legs, but subsequently fell forward and attempted to protect himself with his hands, resulting in two broken arms.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators inspected the Airwave Klassic and found no mechanical defects or deficiencies in the glider or harness. The damage to the control triangle, mast base, and wing tension was determined to have been caused by the impact with the ground. The pilot's flight experience, totaling approximately 470 hours, was deemed sufficient for the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the misjudgment of the landing site's slope and insufficient prior observation of the landing area.
- The presence of a small mound that struck the wingtip and the strong updraft near the cliff contributed to the loss of control.
- The prevailing wind conditions (6–8 m/s) and the turbulent nature of the wind near the fell summit made a safe landing extremely difficult.
- Performing a headwind landing in such high wind speeds was an ineffective solution, though likely the only available option in the moment.
Safety action
- Investigators recommend that for slope soaring, pilots should familiarize themselves with the landing site on the ground in advance whenever possible.