What happened
On July 6, 2014, a pilot participating in the FL 2014 Adrenalin Grand Prix competition was returning to Frýdlant nad Ostravicí (LKFR) when they encountered heavy rain showers. To avoid entering the Ostrava TMA, the pilot attempted to navigate through a gap in the weather. While flying over the terrain near Kunčice pod Ondřejníkem, the pilot encountered another area of rain and decided to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field.
During the descent, the LS 3 glider, registration OK-7722, flew at a very low altitude over wooded and hilly terrain. While attempting to reach a suitable landing area, the aircraft's landing gear caught electrical power lines. This contact caused the glider to strike a concrete utility pole, which snapped and was left hanging from the wires. The impact resulted in the glider crashing to the ground, causing significant damage to the fuselage and the right wing.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined flight data from a GNSS flight recorder, meteorological reports, and the pilot's testimony. The investigation established that the pilot was flying a valid mission but was forced to terminate the flight early due to deteriorating weather. Analysis of the GNSS data showed the aircraft descending to extremely low altitudes—as low as approximately 7 to 8 meters above the ground—as the pilot maneuvered through complex terrain to find a landing spot.
Findings
- The pilot's late decision to land in the terrain led to a loss of altitude over difficult, wooded, and populated areas.
- The pilot selected an unsuitable landing site containing overhead electrical wires.
- The pilot was fully qualified and the aircraft was in a serviceable condition.
- The impact with the wires and the pole caused the breakage of the right wing and structural damage to the cockpit and tail section.