What happened
On May 5, 2008, a Rolladen Schneider LS7 WL glider, registered as PH-1273, was conducting an overland flight from Soesterberg toward Hoogeveen, with plans to continue to Wesel, Germany, before returning to its origin. The flight proceeded normally until the aircraft passed Ermelo, at which point the pilot was unable to locate sufficient thermal lift. As the aircraft's altitude dropped to approximately 300 meters northeast of Harderwijk, the pilot decided to perform an outlanding in a nearby field.
The pilot selected a landing site based on the field's orientation and length relative to the wind. However, the approach was characterized by excessive speed and an overly high altitude. During the maneuver, the pilot overshot the intended touchdown point and attempted to land in the subsequent adjacent field. During this final descent, the tail of the aircraft struck an elevated road situated just before the field. The impact caused the nose and the left wingtip to hit the ground, leading to a ground loop that brought the aircraft to a halt in the field.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the landing and the physical impact with the terrain. Investigators examined the pilot's decision-making process regarding the landing site and the environmental factors present during the approach. The inquiry established that the aircraft suffered heavy damage, specifically involving the fuselage breaking into two pieces behind the wings. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped the accident without injury.
Findings
- The pilot's approach was unstable, characterized by excessive airspeed and altitude during the final stages of the flight.
- The pilot's estimation of the approach was likely influenced by obstacles, such as a tree line and a fence, as well as a shift in wind direction.
- The primary cause of the structural failure was the tail of the PH-1273 striking an elevated road surface immediately before entering the field.