Accident Overview
On July 19, 2022, at 13:02 local time, an ASW-20L glider with registration HA-4027 was destroyed in an accident at Békéscsaba Airport (LHBC). The glider was being used for non-commercial training purposes. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a hospital by rescue helicopter.
Facts
During the assembly of the glider that day, the pilot's attention was repeatedly distracted by various factors. As a result, the pilot did not complete the assembly and forgot that it was unfinished. Additionally, the pilot omitted the pre-takeoff check, which could have revealed that the elevator control was not connected. Consequently, the glider began a towed takeoff without functioning elevator control. During the takeoff roll and initial climb, the pilot did not release from the tow. The pilot attempted to compensate for the lack of elevator control by using the ailerons. Unable to properly follow the towplane, the pilot released at approximately 30 meters above ground level. After releasing, the pilot initiated a right turn in an attempt to return to the airport. During the turn, the pilot lost control of the glider, causing it to slip out of the turn, lose altitude, and impact the ground. The glider was destroyed in the impact.
Investigation Findings
The investigation board analyzed the wreckage, interviewed witnesses and the towplane pilot, and examined a similar glider to understand the control system characteristics. The board concluded that the missing elevator control resulted from human factors related to the pilot. The pilot's distractions during assembly and failure to perform the pre-takeoff check led to the incomplete control connection.
Probable Cause
The investigation identified human factors related to the pilot as the cause of the missing elevator control that led to the accident.