Glider Crash Near Panevėžys Caused by Pilot Incapacitation and Unlicensed Flight

Casualties unknown • LT

An L-13 Blanik glider crashed near Panevėžys aerodrome after the pilot became incapacitated, leading an unlicensed passenger to attempt an emergency maneuver.

What happened

On May 6, 2006, an L-13 Blanik glider, registration LY-GKM, operated by Panevėžys Aeroklubas, was conducting a flight within the local flying zone. During the flight, which had reached the cloud base, the pilot began to feel unwell and experienced nausea. Due to this loss of physical capability, the pilot handed control of the aircraft to a passenger seated in the rear cockpit. Although the passenger was an experienced flyer with significant flight hours, he did not hold a valid pilot license at the time of the occurrence.

As the aircraft approached Panevėžys aerodrome for landing, the passenger attempted a maneuver to avoid power lines crossing the airfield perimeter. In an effort to land on a nearby field and avoid the obstacle, the passenger initiated a sharp turn. During this maneuver, the glider lost airspeed and entered a stall, impacting the ground at an altitude of approximately 10-20 meters. The aircraft struck the ground first with the right wing, followed by the left wing and the forward fuselage. The pilot sustained a back injury, while the passenger remained uninjured.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight sequence, the medical condition of the crew, and the qualifications of the individuals involved. It was established that the flight was the first for both individuals in the 200 06 season. The investigators reviewed the aircraft's maintenance status, noting it was in the experimental category, and analyzed the meteorological conditions, which were found to be favorable with good visibility and light winds.

Findings

  • The pilot became temporarily incapacitated during the flight due to illness.
  • Control of the aircraft was transferred to a passenger who possessed extensive flight experience but lacked a valid flying license.
  • Both occupants were flying after a long hiatus from flight operations.
  • The crash was caused by pilot errors during the landing approach, specifically descending too early while approaching an obstacle and losing airspeed during an evasive turn, which resulted in a stall.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by pilot error during the landing phase, where the aircraft was flown into a stall due to an improper maneuver intended to avoid power lines following the primary pilot's incapacitation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-05-06 L-13 Blanik accident near LT?

An L-13 Blanik glider crashed near Panevėžys aerodrome after the pilot became incapacitated, leading an unlicensed passenger to attempt an emergency maneuver.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-06 involved a L-13 Blanik, registration LY-GKM, at LT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by pilot error during the landing phase, where the aircraft was flown into a stall due to an improper maneuver intended to avoid power lines following the primary pilot's incapacitation.

Loading the flight search…