What happened
On July 7, 2020, a Schleicher ASW-19 B glider, registration OK-7984, was performing its third flight of the day at Hodkovice airfield after the pilot had completed type conversion training the previous day. After being unable to locate thermal lift at approximately 300 m AGL, the pilot decided to return to the airfield.
During the final approach to runway 01, the aircraft's speed increased significantly. Flight data from the onboard LX8000 device showed the speed rising to 170 km/h, which was 80 km/h above the manufacturer's recommended landing speed of 90 km/h. The aircraft made an initial touchdown approximately 170 m past the runway threshold, followed by a second, harder impact 450 m from the threshold that caused the landing gear to collapse into the fuselage. A third impact occurred shortly after, which resulted in the shattering of the cockpit canopy and the breaking of the tail section, which rotated 90 degrees to the left. The aircraft slid along the grass runway for approximately 90 m before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's statements, witness testimonies, wreckage analysis, and flight data recorder information. Investigators noted that the pilot, while experienced in other glider types, had very limited flight time on the ASW-19 B. The investigation focused on the discrepancy between the pilot's statement—that the gear and brakes were extended—and the physical evidence found at the scene.
Findings
- The pilot performed the approach and landing at a speed significantly exceeding the manufacturer's limits.
- The pilot likely confused the landing gear lever with the aerodynamic brake lever. Because these controls are operated in opposite directions, the pilot likely retracted the landing gear while attempting to deploy the aerodynamic brakes.
- The aircraft's technical condition and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident did not contribute to the occurrence.
- The pilot had relatively low total flight time and was in the very early stages of operating this specific aircraft type.