Factual Information
On 28 June 2020, at 13:18 UTC, a glider L 13 A Blaník, registration OK-9722, experienced an accident during an off-airport landing in a field near the village of Rousměrov, approximately 11 km northwest of Křižanov airfield (LKKA). The glider was operated by Aeroklub Křižanov z.s. and manufactured by LET n. p. in 1969.
The pilot, a 32-year-old male holding a valid glider pilot license, departed from LKKA at 12:33 UTC in an aerotow for a soaring flight. After release at 12:36:40, the pilot climbed in thermals to 1858 m MSL at 12:49:48. Subsequently, while searching for lift, the glider descended to 869 m MSL (approximately 344 m AGL). The pilot found weak lift and climbed to 1045 m MSL (511 m AGL) but then encountered a significant sink over a forested area. Unable to locate further thermals and noting the distance from suitable airfields, the pilot decided to land in a field near Rousměrov.
The pilot performed a left-hand circuit to inspect the field, which was a large area of tall crops southeast of the village, near a road for ease of recovery. He initiated the landing approach from 120 m AGL, flew a final approach at 288° magnetic heading from 30 m AGL at 106 km/h, reducing speed to 88 km/h before touchdown. The glider touched down in a horizontal attitude at low speed on a relatively level part of the field.
Aircraft Damage
During the landing, the glider's horizontal stabilizer struck the tall crop, resulting in its destruction. The rear fuselage section, particularly around frames No. 15 and the aft hinged portion, sustained extensive damage. No other damage was documented.
Pilot Information
The pilot had accumulated 48 hours 38 minutes total flight time, with 2 hours 7 minutes in the preceding 90 days. He obtained his glider pilot license on 16 August 2018 and was qualified to fly the L 13, L 23, ASW-15 B, and VT 116 types. In 2020, he had performed only four solo flights prior to this accident. He had no previous experience with off-airport landings.
Cause
The cause of the accident was an unsuccessful search for an updraft, leading to the decision to land in a field where the horizontal stabilizer struck tall crops during landing.