Incident Details
On 13 June 1995, during the Lithuanian gliding championships at Panevėžys aeroclub aerodrome, a LAK-12 glider (registration LY-GDI) was towed to 800 m by a Vilga-35A aircraft. After release, the glider flew a route via Vabalninkas and Joniškis. Near Krekenava, experiencing a thermal crisis, the glider pilot landed in a field about 500 m northwest of Krekenava, next to the road to Pociūnėliai.
The tow plane (Vilga-35A, LY-AJP) piloted by the tow pilot landed nearby and attached the glider for an aerotow. After lifting to about 15 m and flying approximately 400 m, the glider began to bank right. The glider pilot, unable to correct, released from the tow. The glider continued for about 250 m, then struck the ground, first with its right wing, then its wheel. After the impact, the glider pilot reported by radio that the tow plane was no longer needed. The tow pilot returned to Panevėžys aerodrome, and a car with a trailer retrieved the glider.
Meteorological Conditions
Cloud cover was 4–5 oktas, visibility 10 km, cloud base 1000 m, wind from 35° at 1–2 m/s, and temperature 18°C.
Pilot Information
The glider pilot (Pilot A) had been flying since 1970, with 1473 hours total on gliders including L-13, Jantar Standard, and LAK-12. He held the title of Master of Gliding Sports, had participated in international competitions, and had no prior accidents. He was a member of Kaunas Gliding Club and had a valid pilot license.
The tow pilot (Pilot B) had been flying since 1966, with 552 hours total (537 on L-13 gliders and 15 on Vilga-35A). He was a member of Telšiai Aeroclub and was authorized to tow gliders and land in fields. However, he had flown little in 1995 and did not possess a pilot license at the time of the incident.
Aircraft Information
The glider was a LAK-12, LY-GDI, serial number 6163, single-seat, open class, manufactured on 27 April 1990 by Prienai Experimental Sport Aviation Factory. It belonged to Kaunas Gliding Club. Total flight time was 150 hours, with remaining life of 850 hours. Its airworthiness certificate was valid until 27 April 1996. The glider had never been repaired.
Findings
During takeoff from the field, where cut grass lay, the tow plane's propeller blast blew hay onto the glider's right wing (in the elevon area). This caused the glider to bank right. After release, the glider descended and struck the ground with its right wing, resulting in 10 structural breaks. The glider pilot was not injured.
The tow pilot did not prepare the field by removing hay from at least a 100 m section before the aerotow. He failed to assess that the grass was abundant and recently cut. The investigation concluded that the tow pilot was responsible for the accident.