What happened
On April 1, 2021, at approximately 14:00 UTC, a SNC 34C Alliance glider was participating in a recreational flight at the Krems-Langenlois (LOAG) airfield in Austria. The flight began via aero-tow from runway 11, with the pilot and one passenger on board. After releasing from the tow at approximately 850 meters above field elevation, the pilot spent roughly two hours flying in thermal conditions.
As the aircraft entered the traffic pattern for runway 29, the pilot began communicating via the airfield radio frequency. Approximately 20 seconds before the impact, the pilot broadcasted multiple times that an emergency landing was being attempted, appearing highly agitated and breathless. Shortly after these transmissions, the glider descended into a field located approximately 600 meters east of the runway 29 threshold.
The investigation
The Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB) conducted an investigation into the accident, which involved reconstructing the flight path using pilot statements, airfield management reports, and police findings. The investigation examined the pilot's training, the aircraft's maintenance records, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators also analyzed GNSS logger data and radar information to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the impact.
Findings
- The accident was caused by a failed forced landing.
- The pilot's limited flight experience, combined with training that lacked sufficient practical application for emergency procedures—specifically regarding forced landings—contributed to the outcome.
- The pilot made errors in assessing the traffic situation within the airfield pattern.
- Inaccurate decision-making occurred during the planning and execution of the emergency landing maneuver.
- The impact resulted in one serious injury to a passenger.