What happened
On July 30, 2015, at approximately 10:54 UTC, an ASW-15B glider, registration OK-1591, crashed near the village of Zbilidy. The pilot was conducting a thermal flight and, after failing to locate rising air currents, identified a suitable field for a landing.
While attempting to maneuver for the landing, the pilot performed several 360-degree turns to search for lift at low altitude. During the final approach, the aircraft was subjected to changing wind conditions. As the pilot attempted to align the aircraft with the landing direction, the glider entered a spin. The aircraft struck the ground with its left wing and nose, causing the cockpit to break apart and the fuselage to fracture. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the flight data recorded by the GNSS flight recorder and interviewed witnesses, including a pilot who was flying nearby. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was airworthy and that the pilot held valid glider and medical certifications.
Investigators analyzed the meteorological conditions, noting that while the pilot initially assessed the weather as good, the area was experiencing gusty winds with gusts reaching up/around 24 km/h. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history, finding that the last annual inspection had been completed earlier that year with no defects noted. The physical wreckage showed that all damage was a direct result of the high-impact force of the crash and the subsequent rotation of the aircraft.