What happened
On May 13, 2018, a L 13 A Blaník glider, registration OK-0931, was performing a training flight at Medlánky airport. The flight was part of a post-winter flight familiarization program, involving a pilot and an instructor flying in dual control. The objective of the maneuver was to practice landing within a restricted area.
During the approach, the pilot utilized full braking flaps to manage the landing distance. As the aircraft approached the edge of the airfield, the tail struck a tall crop of beets. This contact caused the glider to lose speed and veer into the field, where the right wing subsequently struck the vegetation. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 180 degrees. There were no injuries to the crew, and both the pilot and instructor passed alcohol testing.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the flight sequence and the crew's performance during the approach. The investigation established that the pilot had performed a check flight earlier that day and was authorized to conduct the solo maneuver. The instructor had planned a landing approach at a 45-degree angle to runway 16 to avoid nearby terrain.
Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and found damage to both the left and right horizontal stabilizers, as well as the rear fuselage bulkhead. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's recent flight experience, noting a low number of flight hours following the winter break, which contributed to a loss of proficiency.
Findings
- The pilot failed to accurately estimate the required altitude and airspeed while attempting to clear the obstacle (the beet field).
- To maintain altitude while flying over the crops, the pilot had to pull back on the control stick, which naturally led to a decrease in airspeed.
- The instructor failed to provide adequate supervision and did not recognize the pilot's error in altitude estimation during the approach.
- The instructor chose an inappropriate landing direction that placed the aircraft directly over an obstacle.
- The pilot's recent lack of flight hours following the winter hiatus contributed to a lack of proficiency in managing the approach.