What happened
On July 1, 1993, at approximately 16:00, an L-13 Blanik glider, registration LY-GAP, departed from Paluknė Aerodrome for a solo flight. The aircraft was operated by a member of the Vilnius Aero Club. During the flight, the pilot failed to account for a change in wind direction, which caused the glider to drift away from the aerodrome.
In response to this deviation, the pilot attempted an emergency landing at a field selected from the air. During the landing roll, the right wing of the glider struck an electricity pylon, resulting in damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, which were clear with 10 km visibility and moderate turbulence. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting they had been flying with the Vilnius Aero Club since 1992. Technical records for LY-GAP showed the aircraft was manufactured in 1977 and had undergone its last major maintenance in 1985.
The commission identified several operational deficiencies, including low levels of flight organization, insufficient pilot preparation, and a lack of personal discipline regarding flight boundaries.
Findings
- The pilot failed to properly assess the strength and direction of the wind.
- The landing approach was fundamentally flawed as the pilot attempted to land into the wind rather than with it.
- The selected landing site was unsuitable for the maneuver.
- The pilot failed to adhere to the established flight zone boundaries.