Incident Overview
On May 6, 2006, at approximately 17:15 local time, an L-13 "Blanik" glider with registration LY-GKM crashed into a field near the Panevėžys Aeroclub aerodrome. The aircraft was operated by the Panevėžys Aeroclub and manufactured by LET in the Czech Republic. The incident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and no injuries to the passenger.
Flight Details and Sequence of Events
The flight began at 15:20 with a licensed pilot and a passenger aboard. Both individuals had not flown since 2005, making this their first flight of the year. During the flight, which took place over the aerodrome under good weather conditions, the pilot experienced nausea and decided to land. He transferred control to the passenger, who possessed significant flying experience but lacked a valid glider license at the time.
While on final approach with air brakes deployed, the passenger realized they were insufficiently high to clear power lines crossing the landing path. Attempting to avoid the obstacle by turning 180 degrees toward an adjacent field, the glider lost speed and entered a stall. The aircraft struck the ground first with the right wing, then the left wing, and finally the front cabin section.
Aircraft Condition and Injuries
The glider sustained severe structural damage, including broken wings at the sixth rib from the tip, a deformed fuselage, and a shattered canopy. The pilot suffered a back injury, while the passenger remained uninjured. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts, which likely mitigated the severity of their injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the crash was caused by piloting errors during the approach to landing. Specifically, the aircraft descended too early when passing an obstacle and lost critical airspeed while attempting a turn to avoid power lines, leading to a stall. The report noted that both crew members had been away from flying for a long period, which may have contributed to the lack of attention required for safe maneuvering.