What happened
On June 16, 2013, at approximately 15:31 UTC, a Scheibe SF-25 C Falke motor glider was performing a recreational flight from Spitzerberg (LOAS) when the pilot decided to land at Altlichtenwarth airfield. The aircraft, carrying the pilot and one passenger, approached runway 22.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft made a late touchdown approximately 13 meters before the threshold of runway 04. At the moment of impact, the engine was at idle. As the pilot attempted to decelerate, the aircraft veered right into the safety strip and briefly returned to the runway surface. The glider then crossed a farm track and entered an adjacent field. During this excursion, the right wing struck the ground, causing the aircraft to rotate 180 degrees before coming to a halt. The impact resulted in one fatality and significant damage to the airframe, including a broken fuselage near the vertical stabilizer and a bent steel tube frame.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) reconstructed the flight sequence using statements from the pilot and witnesses. The investigation examined the aircraft's airworthiness, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records were up to date and that the weight and balance were within permissible limits. The pilot held valid licenses and medical certification, and there were no signs of physical or psychological impairment.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly maintained and airworthy at the time of the accident.
- The pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the flight.
- The aircraft's center of gravity and total weight were within operational limits.
- Weather conditions were clear with VFR visibility, calm winds, and a temperature of 27°C.
- The pilot failed to utilize the full length of the available runway.
- The primary cause of the overrun was the late touchdown on the runway.