What happened
On October 12, 2024, at 15:15 UTC, a PZL SWDNIK PW5 glider, registration LV-ELY, was involved in an undershoot accident at the Punta Alta aerodrome in the Buenos Aires province of Argentina. The flight, operated by Aeroclub Punta Alta, began with a tow from the aerodrome to a distance of approximately six kilometers, where the aircraft transitioned to free flight for a planned cross-country mission.
During the nine-minute flight, the pilot operated under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and actively searched for thermal currents to gain altitude and continue the intended route. After being unable to locate sufficient lift, the pilot decided to return to the departure aerodrome. During the approach phase, the aircraft made contact with the ground outside of the runway surface.
The investigation
The investigation established that the aircraft was performing a non-commercial pleasure flight. The flight duration was approximately 0.3 hours. The investigation examined the flight sequence, noting that the pilot's decision to abort the cross-country mission was driven by the lack of available thermal lift. The impact occurred on the grass surface of the aerodrome with a low impact velocity and a level pitch and roll attitude.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the landing of the aircraft outside of the runway strip.
- The pilot's inability to find thermal currents necessitated a return to the origin aerodrome.
- The aircraft sustained minor damage, specifically to the wing structure.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.