What happened
On August 2, 2022, at approximately 14:31 UTC, a PZL Bielsko SZD-48-3 glider, registration OK-6200, crashed on road II/232 between the villages of Rokycany and Osek, Czech Republic. The aircraft was performing a flight route from Plasy to Tachov, Příbram, and back to Plasy.
During the flight, the pilot began losing altitude near the Radeč ridge and subsequently changed course toward Rokycany airport (LKRY). While flying at a low altitude near the intersection of the D5 motorway and road II/232, the pilot performed two right-hand turns, likely attempting to locate rising thermal currents. During the second turn, the glider entered a right-hand spin at a steep angle of bank. The aircraft struck the roadway with the trailing edge of the right wing, followed by the upper fuselage and cockpit, eventually flipping onto its back. During the descent, the left wing struck the rear of a passenger vehicle traveling toward Rokycany. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the occupants of the vehicle were uninjured.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized witness statements, wreckage examination, video footage from a passing bus and motorway traffic cameras, and flight data from the aircraft's recording device. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's training records, the aircraft's maintenance history, and meteorological data.
Investigators examined the pilot's flight experience, noting significant hours in ultralight aircraft but relatively limited experience specifically on the SZD-48-3 type. The investigation also analyzed the aircraft's technical condition and the presence of turbulent thermal currents in the area.
Findings
- The pilot was performing maneuvers at a very low altitude (between 100 and 500 meters AGL) rather than proceeding to land at Rokycany.
- The pilot likely attempted to decrease the turning radius during the second maneuver to find lift.
- The reduction of the turning radius during the maneuver led to a loss of lift and a subsequent stall/spin.
- The aircraft's technical condition and maintenance were found to be in compliance with requirements and did not contribute to the accident.
- Meteorological conditions were generally suitable for flight, though narrow, highly turbulent thermal currents were present near the D5 motorway.