What happened
On October 26, 2002, at approximately 16:30 UTC, a Grob 103 C glider, registration I-IVVW, was performing a local training flight at Alzate Brianza Airport. After being towed for takeoff, the pilot searched for thermals but, finding none, decided to return to the airfield.
During the approach, the pilot entered the circuit at a lower-than-optimal altitude. Due to being in a downwind position, the pilot preemptively began the base turn and bypassed standard airbrake checks to avoid losing further altitude. The aircraft approached the runway threshold with excessive altitude, high speed, and a misaligned heading. In an attempt to descend and reduce speed, the pilot inadvertently moved the trim lever instead of the airbrake lever. This error further destabilized the flight parameters, resulting in a violent impact with the ground adjacent to the runway.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the flight sequence and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. The investigation noted that the pilot had held a glider license for only ten months and had accumulated approximately 59 total flight hours. The investigation examined the cockpit layout, specifically the proximity of the airbrake and trim levers, and reviewed the pilot's statement regarding the flight maneuvers.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with non-standard flight parameters led to significant apprehension.
- This apprehension caused the pilot to intentionally omit essential pre-landing checks, such as maintaining hand contact with the airbrake lever.
- The incorrect operation of the trim lever instead of the airbrake lever was the primary factor in the loss of control.
- The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and extensive damage to the aircraft, including the detachment of the tail unit and cockpit structural damage.