Glider crash near Doubravy caused by loss of airspeed during landing maneuver

Casualties unknown • 600 m SZ Doubravy, CZ

A pilot sustained serious injuries after a G 102 Astir CS glider struck a concrete silage pit wall during an emergency field landing.

What happened

On May 27, 2017, a G 102 Astir CS glider, registration OK-6835, was engaged in a thermal flight in the Moravia region after taking off from Břeclav aerodrome. The pilot initially utilized thermal currents to reach an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters AGL. However, as the flight progressed toward the Zlín area, the pilot encountered a lack of rising air and found themselves at an insufficient altitude to return to the home aerodrome.

After unsuccessful attempts to locate new thermals near Provodov, the pilot decided to perform an out-of-field landing in the terrain. While approaching a potential landing site near the village of Doubravity, the pilot identified a suitable field but noted a significant cross-slope. Due to the low altitude and the desire to land into the wind, the pilot initiated a turning maneuver. During this turn, the aircraft's airspeed dropped significantly, causing the glider to stall and descend into the upper edge of a concrete silage pit wall. The impact destroyed the fuselage in the cockpit area, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was a loss of airspeed resulting from an attempt to execute a turning maneuver at an altitude insufficient for a proper landing approach into the wind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-05-27 G 102 ASTIR CS accident near 600 m SZ Doubravy, CZ?

A pilot sustained serious injuries after a G 102 Astir CS glider struck a concrete silage pit wall during an emergency field landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-05-27 involved a G 102 ASTIR CS, registration OK-6835, at 600 m SZ Doubravy, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was a loss of airspeed resulting from an attempt to execute a turning maneuver at an altitude insufficient for a proper landing approach into the wind.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/473. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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