Introduction
On 10 July 2021, at approximately 15:15 local time (13:15 UTC), a glider collision occurred at Moravská Třebová airport (LKMK) involving an L-13 Blaník, registration OK-7702. The glider was operated by Aeroklub Moravská Třebová.
Sequence of Events
The pilot and an instructor (SPL) were conducting a training circuit flight. The glider was launched by winch from runway 26L, a procedure familiar to the pilot. The flight lasted four minutes. Prior to the flight, the pilot decided to plan a landing that would stop near the hangar, as this was the glider's last flight of the day.
After touchdown on runway 26L, during the landing rollout, the right wing of the glider struck a stationary tractor that was hitched to a winch (Herkules 5) used for launching gliders. The impact caused the glider to rotate 180 degrees and come to a stop. The pilot reported that he saw the winch and was aware of its position throughout the approach and landing, but misjudged the lateral distance from it.
Injuries and Damage
Neither occupant was injured. The glider sustained extensive damage, specifically to the right wing and fuselage covering.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certificates. His flight experience included a total of 401 hours, with 346 hours on type. However, he had flown only 2 hours 37 minutes in the preceding 90 days, which was noted as low currency.
The weather conditions were described as nearly clear to partly cloudy, with northeast wind at 2 to 6 m/s, and did not affect the flight or the accident.
The glider had a valid airworthiness certificate and was serviceable before the flight.
Cause
The official cause of the accident was the pilot's incorrect assessment of lateral clearance from a known obstacle on the airfield.