Accident Details
On 25 August 1995, at approximately 15:00 local time, a LAK-12 glider, registration LY-GKF, was involved in an accident during takeoff from Panevėžys aerodrome (Stetiškių 74). The glider was being towed by a Wilga-35A aircraft (LY-AJC) for a flight to Alytus aerodrome. During the ground roll, when the tow speed reached 70–80 km/h, the glider's right wing contacted the grass on the aerodrome surface. The glider then swung to the right, turned 180 degrees, and struck the ground nose-first. The impact shattered the glider's canopy and broke the fuselage. The pilot, identified as R, sustained facial and right leg injuries and was transported by road vehicle to Alytus aeroklub.
Aircraft and Crew
The glider, a LAK-12 with serial number 6214, was manufactured on 1 April 1993 at the Prienai State Aviation Factory and registered to Alytus aeroklub. Its airworthiness certificate (No. 00457) was valid until 27 December 1995. The pilot held a commercial pilot license valid until 10 August 1995, with a total flight time of 1,580 hours, including 980 hours on gliders. The pilot had experience on various glider types: L-13, Puchacz, Foka-5, Cobra-15, Pirat, Jantar Standard, and LAK-12.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were reported as follows: cloud cover 9/10, wind direction 0° (calm), wind speed 1–2 m/s, visibility 10 km, air temperature 25°C.
Cause
The accident occurred when the glider collided with the ground after its right wing struck the grass during the takeoff run. The wing contacted the grass due to insufficient takeoff speed. After the glider detached from the tow aircraft, the glider pilot was unable to land it safely.