What happened
On April 18, 2009, a single-seat LAK-12 glider, registration LY-GDI, operated by the Kaunas Aviation Sports Club, was performing a flight in the vicinity of Pociūnai Aerodrome. While approaching the aerodrome from the direction of Jiezno, the pilot encountered strong downdrafts near the Nemunas River, which rapidly depleted the aircraft's altitude reserve.
Fearing that trees on the opposite side of the river would obstruct a return to the aerodrome, the pilot decided to land in an open field located approximately 3 km from the airfield. During the turn toward the landing site at an unsafe low altitude, the glider lost airspeed and entered a slip. The right wing struck the ground first, causing the nose to impact the uneven terrain. The aircraft then slid for approximately 16 meters before coming to a stop. The pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's qualifications, and the operational oversight by the flying club. Investigators reviewed the meteorological conditions, which were reported as good with a north wind of 5 m/s, and analyzed the structural damage to the LAK-12, which included a broken cockpit frame, damaged wing spars, and separated control surfaces.
Findings
- The pilot was not properly licensed for solo flight; they held a student-pilot license that only authorized flight in training aircraft.
- The management of the Kaunas Aviation Sports Club had improperly endorsed the student-pilot license to allow solo flights in single-seat gliders and permitted the pilot to fly without the required permanent license.
- The pilot's decision-making was influenced by limited experience in the open class, as this was only the pilot's second flight in this specific aircraft type.
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's late decision to land in the field and performing a turn at an unsafe altitude.
Safety action
- The head of the Kaunas Aviation Sports Club was directed to prohibit all student pilots within the club from conducting solo flights in single-seat gliders.