History of the Flight
On 20 May 2017, at approximately 18:45 local time, a Schleicher K-7 sailplane, registration HA-5052, operated by the Hungarian Aeronautical Association, took off from Farkashegy Airport (LHFH) for a training flight. The aircraft was piloted by a flight instructor with a student pilot on board. According to witness statements, the instructor took control due to strong wind and turbulence. After about an hour, the aircraft approached Runway 33 for landing. The final approach was at a higher altitude than usual, approximately 250 metres above the take-off point. Both occupants confirmed that the instructor was flying. During the final approach, the instructor applied full spoilers and the aircraft descended at a high rate, touching down on the main landing gear. The student pilot sustained severe injuries, and the aircraft was significantly damaged.
Injuries to Persons
The accident resulted in one severely injured person (the student pilot). No fatalities occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The Schleicher K-7 was significantly damaged.
Personnel Information
The flight instructor held a valid Flight Instructor (Sailplane) rating and was qualified to fly the K-7. The student held a Student Glider Pilot Licence.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Schleicher K-7, a two-seat sailplane built by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. It was registered in Hungary as HA-5052.
Meteorological Information
The flight took place in strong wind and turbulence, which prompted the instructor to assume control and eventually land due to the conditions.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft touched down onto the main landing gear after a high-rate descent on the final approach.
Analysis
The investigation attributed the cause of the accident to the flight instructor's incorrect assessment of the situation. The strong winds and turbulence likely contributed to the challenging landing conditions, but the instructor's decision to apply full spoilers resulted in a high descent rate and hard touchdown.
Conclusions
The accident was caused by the flight instructor's misjudgment of the situation during the landing approach.
Safety Recommendations
The flight safety organization issued a measure reminding operators and training partners of the specific characteristics of flying in turbulent conditions. No further safety recommendations were proposed.