Factual Information
On July 3, 2003, at approximately 13:09 local time, a LET L-13 Blanik sailplane, registration LY-GJK, was towed aloft by a Wilga-35A aircraft from Alytus aerodrome. The pilot, a 63-year-old female with 2736.22 total flight hours (1928.19 on type), intended to fly to Panevėžys for senior gliding competitions. After release at 500 m altitude south of the aerodrome, she was unable to find a thermal. Drifting northeast and descending, she realized she could not return to the aerodrome and began searching for a suitable landing field at about 200 m indicated altitude (approximately 80 m above ground level, as the field elevation was 120 m higher than the aerodrome). During a left fourth turn at 150 m indicated altitude (actually about 30 m above ground level), the sailplane encountered a strong downdraft (6 m/s), lost control, stalled, entered a spin, and collided with terrain. The impact occurred at approximately 13:30 local time near Leliūnai village, 7 km east of Alytus aerodrome.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained serious injuries: fractures of both legs and head trauma. No other persons were injured. The sailplane was destroyed: forward fuselage with instrument panel shattered, fuselage structural members deformed at wing attachment and center section, left wing broken at rib 5, right wing broken at rib 5 with extensive deformations, stabilizer trim attachments broken, canopy shattered, airspeed indicator destroyed.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at nearby stations showed cumulus clouds, good visibility, and southwesterly winds 5-8 m/s with gusts to 10 m/s. At Alytus aerodrome, other glider pilots reported winds 220° at 6-8 m/s, 4-6 oktas cloud base at 1750 m, thermals up to 3 m/s, and strong turbulence from surface to 200 m.
Landing Field
The selected field was a hilly meadow approximately 280 m by 200 m, surrounded by trees and shrubs 2-8 m high and two 8 m power lines. The impact site was near the northeastern edge, opposite a power line. Field elevation was 201 m (aerodrome 80 m).
Analysis
The pilot stated she released at 500 m expecting to quickly find a thermal. After drifting downwind and descending to 200 m, she began searching for a field. The chosen field was challenging due to size, obstacles, and surrounding terrain. The fourth turn was initiated at an actual altitude of about 30 m. The pilot encountered a strong downdraft and was unable to maintain control, leading to the stall and spin. The pilot's actions, as described, indicate she acted imprudently, overconfident in finding thermals and underestimating the altitude.
Additional Information
Two other gliders that launched 9 and 24 minutes later successfully found thermals at 700 m and 500 m respectively and completed the flight to Panevėžys. Witnesses saw the sailplane approaching at low altitude, turning left, then suddenly rolling onto its side and striking the ground. They called emergency services, which arrived within 15-30 minutes.