What happened
On August 9, 2003, at approximately 14:24 local time, an ASW 20 glider, registration I-ZOOW, was performing a recreational flight at the Enemonzo airfield in Italy. After a two-hour flight, the pilot decided to return to the airfield due to deteriorating weather conditions.
During the landing phase on runway 09, the pilot encountered a significant change in wind conditions; the wind had shifted to a northerly direction, creating a crosswind component relative to the runway. After the aircraft made contact with the ground and rolled for approximately ten meters, the left wing struck the ground. This caused the aircraft to yaw uncontrollably to the left, leading to a collision with a second glider, a D-4643, which had landed five minutes earlier and was temporarily parked on the grass adjacent to the runway.
There were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the impact, though both aircraft sustained significant damage. The I-ZOOW suffered delamination on the leading edge of the left wing and damage to the forward fuselage. The parked D-4643 sustained damage to its rear fuselage, including the separation of the vertical stabilizer, and damage to the elevator and control linkages.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the flight logs, maintenance records, and witness statements from both pilots. The investigation confirmed that both aircraft were airworthy and had undergone recent inspections.
Meteorological data from the nearby Aviano station and pilot testimonies indicated that while visibility was good, wind intensity had increased, and the direction had shifted to a crosswind. The investigation also reviewed the positioning of the parked aircraft, noting that the D-4643 was stationary on the grass, roughly 15 meters from the left edge of the runway, while its pilot was walking toward a vehicle.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the incorrect application of landing techniques to compensate for the crosswind.
- It is probable that the pilot of the I-ZOOW attempted to counteract the wind by banking too heavily to the left, which caused the left wing to strike the ground.
- The resulting loss of directional control caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike the stationary glider.