What happened
On August 6, 2020, a VSO-10C Gradient glider, registration OK-9615, was involved in an accident during landing at Kolín Airport. The pilot, returning from a flight in thermals, intended to land on runway 03R with sufficient remaining runway to allow a following glider to land safely.
However, the pilot initiated the third turn of the right-hand pattern too early. Upon reaching the final approach, the pilot deployed the air brakes but quickly realized the aircraft would overshoot the intended touchdown point. Because the VSO-10C lacks the effective aerodynamic braking found in other glider types, the pilot was unable to decelerate sufficiently. The aircraft touched down at approximately two-thirds of the runway length at a high speed of roughly 100 km/h.
To avoid striking a tall cornfield located just beyond the end of the runway, the pilot attempted an emergency maneuver by dropping the left wingtip to the ground. This caused the glider to rotate 180 degrees; the lift generated by the accelerating right wing caused the aircraft to lift off the ground, subsequently impacting the earth nose-first and then on its tail skid.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the flight sequence, witness statements, and the physical condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was experienced and qualified, and the aircraft was airworthy with a valid certificate of airworthiness. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's structural damage, which included the destruction of the composite nose, damage to the left wing, and structural failure of the tail section and tail skid due to the impact forces.
Findings
- The pilot initiated the third turn of the right-hand pattern too early based on the planned touchdown point.
- To compensate for the overshoot, the pilot transitioned into a steeper descent, which increased the landing speed.
- The aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently on the runway despite the use of wheel brakes.
- The pilot performed an emergency wing-dip maneuver to avoid an obstacle, which resulted in the aircraft rotating, lifting off the ground, and crashing.
- All structural damage was caused by the impact of the aircraft components with the ground during the rotation and subsequent landing.