What happened
On June 7, 2025, at approximately 09:55 local time, a single-seat glider was conducting a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in the vicinity of Kapfenberg Aerodrome (LOGK). While executing a landing approach from the west toward runway 07, the aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude.
The glider struck a wooded embankment along the banks of the Mürz River, roughly 314 meters short of the runway threshold. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the configuration of the aircraft during the final approach. Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the loss of altitude and the impact with the terrain.
Findings
- The aircraft was in a controllable and airworthy condition prior to the accident.
- The accident was a Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) caused by the aircraft striking trees.
- A contributing factor was the position of the airbrake, which remained partially extended throughout the duration of the flight.