Background
The owner of a LAK-17B FES glider, registration RA-0799A, planned flights on 29 June 2024 from the Penza (Sosnovka) airfield. The owner had a contract with the Penza Aviation Sports Club DOSAAF for tow services, dated 8 April 2024. The owner arrived at the airfield around 08:00 and passed a medical check.
Preflight and First Flight
Before the flights, the glider was assembled after purchase, with the outer wing parts attached. The first flight was conducted at 11:30, piloted by an acquaintance of the owner, lasting about two hours. No issues with the glider's performance or handling were reported after landing. An inspection followed, and the owner decided to fly solo.
Second Flight and Towing
The glider's takeoff weight was approximately 430 kg (structure 345.4 kg, pilot with parachute about 85 kg, no water ballast), below the maximum of 600 kg. The center of gravity was 285 mm, within the limits of 206–328 mm specified in the flight manual. At 14:10, the glider took off towed by a Vilga-35A aircraft. The tow pilot reported lifting off and climbing at 120 km/h due to the glider's characteristics. After reaching about 200 m on a straight line, the glider was released at an altitude of approximately 1000 m. No further details about the remainder of the flight or any incident are available from the provided source.