Introduction
On June 20, 2022, at approximately 14:10 local time, a Glasfügel 304 glider (registration D-0340) was involved in an accident at Szatymaz Airport (LHST) in Hungary. The glider was substantially damaged, but no injuries occurred. The flight was part of a training camp for cross-country soaring, and the pilot was preparing for a youth world championship.
Flight History
Earlier that day, the pilot participated in a briefing and theoretical training in the morning. The scheduled task was a 232 km cross-country flight. The pilot's first flight of the day, after a towed launch, revealed a lack of thermals, leading to a quick return. A second towed launch also resulted in insufficient thermal activity, prompting the pilot to again decide to land back at the airport.
Landing and Accident
Approaching from the south, the pilot landed downwind on the airport's work area. After touchdown, the glider rolled for approximately 300 meters before coming to rest in a 1-meter deep ditch located at the far end of the airport. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft, but the pilot was uninjured.
Investigation Findings
The Hungarian Transportation Safety Bureau (KBSZ) conducted an investigation. The immediate cause of the accident was identified as the pilot's inadequate situational awareness. No other contributing factors were specified in the available summary, though the full report may list additional factors. The investigation did not result in any safety recommendations.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the report, is the pilot's inadequate situational awareness.