What happened
On June 25, 2017, an L 33 SÓLO glider, registration OK-4404, was performing a conversion training flight at Jihlava Airport. The flight was part of a training program intended to master takeoff and landing procedures. After separating from a tow plane at approximately 300 m AGL, the pilot proceeded with the landing pattern.
During the final approach to runway 28, the pilot misjudged the altitude and initiated the flare maneuver too late. Instead of the standard 5 m height, the flare was initiated at only 1 m above the ground. Consequently, the aircraft failed to reach the required leveling phase and struck the grass runway heavily on the main landing gear. In response to this initial impact, the pilot reacted by pulling the control column back abruptly, which caused the glider to bounce repeatedly, striking the runway with both the tail and the nose sections.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's flight experience, the aircraft's condition, and the sequence of events. The pilot was a 34-year-old male with a valid license and medical certificate, but had very limited experience on this specific aircraft type, having flown only 36 minutes on the L 33 SÓLO in the preceding week. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were suitable for the flight and that no external distractions or obstacles were present on the runway.
Post-impact inspection revealed significant structural damage, including deformations to the lower fuselage, cracks in several bulkheads, and damage to the wing skin and ribs on both the left and right sides of the aircraft.
Findings
- The pilot lacked sufficient flight experience for the specific type conversion training.
- The pilot misjudged the altitude required to initiate the flare.
- The pilot reacted incorrectly to the initial impact by pulling the control column back abruptly, leading to the subsequent series of nose and tail impacts.
- The aircraft sustained serious damage due to the repeated structural stresses caused by the bouncing motion.