What happened
On June 19, 2005, at approximately 15:10, an L-13 Blanik glider, registration LY-GAV, was performing a training flight near Palukpland Aerodrome. The crew consisted of a student pilot and an experienced pilot acting as a "safety pilot" in the rear seat. While returning to the aerodrome, the aircraft encountered 4-5 m/s vertical downdrafts while flying against the wind.
At an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the crew realized they could not reach the aerodrome runway. While flying over high-voltage power lines, the pilot in the rear seat took control and attempted a 180-degree left turn toward a nearby wooded area to perform an off-field landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft lost airspeed and entered a stall, striking trees and crashing into a small grove. The impact caused extensive structural damage to the L-13 Blanik, including severe damage to the wings, fuselage, and stabilizer, but no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the crew's qualifications, the aircraft's maintenance status, and the meteorological conditions. It was established that the crew was improperly formed for the flight, as the rear-seat pilot lacked instructor qualifications. Additionally, while the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness, its validity period exceeded the recommended interval for its major overhaul.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilots' delayed decision to land in a pre-selected field, opting instead for the most complex maneuver possible given the circumstances.
- A pilot error during the turn led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable.
- The crew composition was inadequate; the rear-seat pilot was not a qualified instructor and could not effectively serve as either a passenger or a commander in this context.
- The student pilot was not sufficiently prepared for flight conditions involving such weather volatility.