What happened
On June 16, 2021, a Glasflügel 304 S Jet, registration OK-2211, was performing a thermal flight from Benešov Airport (LKBE) when an accident occurred during the landing phase. The pilot had been flying for approximately six hours in warm weather conditions.
As the aircraft was on final approach to runway 27R, a sudden change in wind direction and a strong gust occurred. This gust caused the glider to be blown off course. Upon touchdown, the right wing struck the ground, triggering a rotation of the aircraft on the surface. The force of the impact and subsequent movement resulted in the loss of the right wing landing gear and a fracture in the composite fuselage approximately one meter behind the center section.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's flight records, the aircraft's maintenance documentation, and meteorological data. The investigation considered the pilot's experience, noting she had 568 total flight hours, with 37 hours on this specific type. The investigation also reviewed the weather conditions at the time of the accident and the physical state of the aircraft following the impact.
Findings
- The pilot was unable to compensate for the wind gust during the landing phase.
- A sudden wind gust and a change in wind direction during final approach contributed to the wing strike.
- The pilot had been flying for six hours in high temperatures, which may have contributed to fatigue or reduced concentration during the final phase of the flight.
- The aircraft was in a valid technical condition and was airworthy at the time of the accident.
- The weather conditions were not restrictive for flight operations, though the specific gust was a critical factor in the sequence of events.
- The aircraft sustained extensive damage, including a broken fuselage and a detached landing gear.