What happened
On July 11, 2019, a Speed Astir II B glider, registration OK-2905, was participating in the 6th Unofficial Czech Championship for two-seaters. While returning to Dvůr Králové Airport (LKDK) at approximately 14:30 UTC, the pilot attempted a landing on runway 28 from an altitude of roughly 600 m. The approach was conducted at a significantly higher speed and altitude than usual, leading the pilot to overshoot the runway and perform a 180-degree turn to land on runway 10.
During the second approach, the aircraft maintained excessive speed and failed to utilize air brakes. The glider touched the runway twice in rapid succession, bouncing into the air at a height of 5 to 10 meters. Following the second bounce, the aircraft continued along the runway heading toward the village of Žireč. To avoid a potential impact with residential buildings, the pilot intentionally steered the aircraft into a tree. The right wing struck a pine tree at an altitude of approximately 9 m, causing the aircraft to capsize and impact the ground. The pilot sustained heavy injuries.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation utilized pilot and witness testimony, video footage of the landing, and meteorological data. The investigation examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's performance, and the environmental factors present during the flight. The committee also reviewed the flight path and the sequence of maneuvers performed during the critical landing phase.
Findings
- The pilot was flying at an excessive altitude and speed during the approach.
- The pilot failed to deploy air brakes to decelerate the aircraft before touchdown.
- The pilot failed to properly manage the aircraft's energy and altitude following the first missed approach, performing the subsequent turn too close to the runway.
- Pilot error driven by stress following the unsuccessful first landing attempt was the primary factor in the sequence of events.
- The aircraft was in a functional technical condition, and weather conditions were within safe operational limits.