Factual Information
On 12 February 2022, a glider L-13 Blanik, registration OK-3800, operated by a legal entity, was involved in an accident in the aerodrome traffic zone of LKPL (Letkov). The pilot, aged 69, held a valid glider pilot license and a medical certificate. The flight was a local thermal soaring flight organized by the operator. The glider took off at 13:19 UTC from runway 26 via aerotow behind an ultralight Dynamic aircraft, climbing to 900 m above the airfield. After release, the pilot performed several turns south of the airfield and then joined the right-hand circuit for runway 08L.
Sequence of Events
The critical situation began after completing the fourth turn. The pilot unlocked the airbrakes and continued the approach to runway 08L. Due to strong sink, the pilot relocked the airbrakes and also retracted the flaps. The glider was already below the level of the Háje hill, and it became clear that it could not reach the airfield. The pilot decided to execute a left turn with the intention of making an off-field landing on a field near the Koterov district. During this maneuver, the glider contacted tall trees below the top of a steep slope west of the Koterovská vyhlídka viewpoint. The glider became lodged in the branches at approximately 6 meters above ground.
According to the pilot's statement, after completing the fourth turn at about 200 m altitude, he unlocked the airbrakes. Sensing very strong sink, he relocked them and closed the flaps. He then attempted a left turn to land on a field near Koterov but hit trees due to his late decision. The radio operator at LKPL reported that the pilot had called final for runway 08 and then disappeared from sight. The operator notified emergency services.
Damage and Injuries
The glider was destroyed by the impact with tree crowns and subsequent recovery efforts. Neither the pilot nor the passenger were injured. The passenger was transported to a hospital for examination due to chest pain, but no injuries were confirmed.
Medicolegal Findings
Toxicological tests were conducted; no alcohol or psychotropic substances were detected in the pilot's system.
The accident investigation was conducted by Ing. Josef Bejdák, authorized by the Czech Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN).