What happened
On August 6, 2015, a pilot operating a VT 116 - Orlik II glider, registration OK-5509, performed an emergency landing on a ski slope in the Svatý Petr area near Špindlerův Mlýn. The flight had originated from Velké Poříčí (LKVP) as part of a planned 245 km route.
While flying toward the Krkonoše Mountains, the pilot encountered strong thermal conditions and rising air currents. After losing contact with the upward lift, the aircraft entered an area of significant sinking air, with a vertical descent rate of approximately 4 m/s. Due to the lack of altitude reserve and the difficulty of finding suitable landing terrain in the mountainous landscape, the pilot decided to utilize a familiar location: the "black" (expert) slope of the Svatý Petr ski resort.
The pilot executed a landing approach on the steep slope, maintaining an indicated airspeed of 105-110 km/h. The aircraft touched down smoothly on the grassy surface and continued its rollout up the slope. However, approximately 20 meters after touchdown, the glider struck an artificial drainage ditch that crossed the slope. The impact caused a loud cracking sound from the fuselage, and the aircraft came to a halt about 15 meters later. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the sequence of events during the landing rollout. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was fully qualified with a valid medical certificate and glider rating. The aircraft was also found to be airworthy, having undergone a 50-hour inspection just days prior to the event.
Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, noting that while the pilot was experienced with the terrain, the atmospheric conditions—specifically the transition from rising to sinking air—had significantly limited landing options. The investigation also reviewed the physical damage to the aircraft, which was concentrated in the area behind the cockpit.