Incident Details
On September 8, 2024, at 11:30 local time, a Schleicher K7 - Rhönadler glider (registration OK-9132) was conducting a training flight in the airport traffic zone (ATZ) of Slaný Airport (LKSN). The flight was part of a lesson I/4 – circuit pattern training, with a foreign student pilot in the front seat and an instructor in the rear seat. The glider was towed by an FM 250 Vampire II aircraft.
After the first flight, which lasted seven minutes, the instructor debriefed the student on errors including control smoothness, tow position, and turning technique. During the second flight, shortly after release from the tow aircraft, the student pilot opened the canopy and exited the glider. The student did not deploy the emergency parachute. The glider, with the instructor still aboard, sustained damage to the canopy but landed safely at Slaný Airport. The student pilot succumbed to multiple injuries upon impact with the ground.
Investigation Findings
The investigation by the Czech Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN) reviewed witness statements, pilot and instructor documentation, glider technical records, forensic medical examination results, Open Glider Network data, and examination of the student’s parachute and the glider.
The student pilot had stayed overnight at the airport on September 7. On the day of the incident, ground preparation included a pre-flight briefing. The first flight proceeded without incident; the instructor noted several errors and corrections. During the second flight, after release, the student opened the canopy and fell out. The instructor stated that the student had not secured the seatbelt properly, leading to release from restraint when the canopy was opened.
Toxicological tests were performed as part of the medical-forensic examination, though no specific results are detailed in the report. The glider’s weight and balance were within limits. Weather conditions were reported as suitable for VFR flight.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the serious incident was caused by the student pilot failing to check that the seatbelt was secure, resulting in release from the restraint system and, after opening the canopy, falling out of the glider.