What happened
On July 16, 2017, a pilot was conducting a recreational thermal flight in a STANDARD CIRRUS 75 VTC, registration OK-1111. During the final leg of the flight route, the pilot encountered a loss of lift and was unable to locate the intended landing site at Bořitov. Due to the continuous loss of altitude, the pilot made the decision to terminate the flight and perform an emergency landing in a field located south of the village of Obora u Blanska.
The chosen landing site was a field covered in tall grain. As the pilot approached the landing area, they realized the terrain was sloping downward toward a nearby forest. To avoid a collision with the trees at the edge of the field, the pilot opted to force the glider into the ground at a higher airspeed rather than maintaining a smooth flare. During the touchdown, the right wing made contact with the tall crops, causing the glider to spin uncontrollably on the ground.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation established that the pilot was experienced and properly rated for the flight. The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. Investigators examined the aircraft's structural integrity following the impact, noting that the fuselage, horizontal stabilizer, and cockpit canopy had all suffered significant damage. The investigation also reviewed meteorological conditions, which were characterized by stable weather with no dangerous phenomena present at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The pilot correctly decided to terminate the flight when thermal lift was lost.
- The pilot was unable to locate the primary landing site due to the loss of altitude.
- The landing site was a sloping field bordered by forest and covered in tall vegetation.
- The pilot performed an improperly executed landing maneuver by forcing the glider into the ground without a proper flare to avoid the forest edge.
- The contact between the right wing and the tall grain caused the glider to rotate violently.
- The sudden change in motion during the rotation caused the tail section of the fuselage to break away, the horizontal stabilizer to be torn from its mount, and the organic glass canopy to shatter.