Summary
On 9 July 2023 at 16:45 UTC, an Orličan VSO-10 glider registered OM-8509, operated by Aeroklub Žilina, sustained substantial damage during an off-field landing on a model airfield at Hôrky, Slovakia. The pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured.
Flight History
The glider departed from Žilina Airport (LZZI) at 16:23 UTC via aerotow from runway 24 for a local thermal flight. After release at approximately 650 m above the airport, the pilot encountered weak and scattered lift. He proceeded toward cumuliform clouds near Hôrky in search of stronger thermals but did not find sufficient lift and decided to perform an off-field landing. He selected the model airfield at Hôrky, where he had previously landed. On approach, the pilot intended to touch down in a cornfield before reaching a mowed area. However, he noticed an electric fence surrounding the cornfield and had to fly over it, extending the landing roll. The remaining mowed area was insufficient to stop the glider safely. The right wing struck a concrete ring and the left wing struck a metal container at the end of the mowed area. The pilot exited the glider unaided and was not injured.
Damage Assessment
The glider sustained extensive damage. Left wing: destroyed wingtip, damage to the spar extension at the pin attachment, cracked leading edge approximately 250 cm from the wingtip. Right wing: leading edge damage 150 cm long and 35 cm deep, damage to the spar extension at the pin attachment. Fuselage: damage to the centre section truss structure, deformation of the centre section laminate, separation of the centre-section-to-tail-boom transition, deformation of the tail boom forward of the vertical stabiliser, puncture of the landing gear bay from gear compression, cracked cabin floor at the reinforcement area. Tail section: broken left elevator hinge, deformation of the horizontal stabiliser centre section, loosened rivets on the tail boom bulkhead, loosened rivets on the vertical stabiliser attachment, deformation of the tail boom at the tailwheel attachment.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 71, held a valid SPL (Sailplane Pilot Licence) issued on 15 March 2018, with qualifications for sailplanes. He held a valid Class 2 medical certificate valid until 19 May 2024, and an LAPL medical until 19 May 2025. His total flying experience was 939 hours 44 minutes, with 750 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 19 hours 43 minutes.
Aircraft Information
The Orličan VSO-10 is a single-seat, shoulder-wing glider of mixed construction. It was manufactured in 1988, serial number 150195. The glider had a valid certificate of airworthiness and a 500-hour periodic inspection completed on 1 May 2023. Total time since new was 2989 hours 41 minutes, with 1468 total landings. Maximum takeoff weight was not exceeded.
Analysis
During the off-field landing, the pilot did not notice the electric fence obstacle in time, partly due to its design, and was forced to fly over it, which shortened the available landing distance required to stop the glider safely.
Probable Cause
The pilot did not notice the electric fence obstacle in time, partly due to its design, and was forced to fly over it, shortening the available landing distance, resulting in collision with obstacles.