Details of the incident
The accident occurred during a training flight during which a simulated take-off interruption was being carried out. After releasing the winch cable at an altitude of 340 metres above the take-off level, the glider initially flew straight ahead and then turned into a lateral approach. The flight instructor, a 60-year-old experienced pilot with a valid gliding licence and more than 65 hours of flying experience since 2018, increased the speed to up to 170 km/h. As he approached the last quarter of the runway, he initiated a simulated rope break exercise.
During this exercise, the altitude was low and concerns about hitting a nearby radio mast were raised by the student pilot, a 14-year-old who had only started her training a month earlier. Despite her concerns, the aircraft collided with a tree shortly afterwards and crashed into the forest. According to witnesses, there were no flaps deployed that could have helped to increase the speed.
Technical and personnel details
The ASK 13 was a robust training aircraft from 1971, which had 3,823 operating hours and 11,766 take-offs at the time of the accident. The flight instructor had a comprehensive licence, which also included aerobatics and various types of take-off. The student pilot had completed 16 training flights at the time of the accident.
Meteorological and environmental factors
On the day of the accident, normal visual flight conditions with slight turbulence prevailed after a rain shower. The flying site in Ohlstadt-Pömetsried offers a 1,000 metre-long winch tow track and is located in a scenically challenging region near Munich.
Investigation procedures and safety considerations
The Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation carried out a detailed analysis using GPS data to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation revealed that the simulated take-off interruption took place too early in the student pilot's training programme and did not comply with the German Aero Club's guidelines for safe training flights. The accident underlines the importance of appropriate altitude and speed during such manoeuvres and the need for thorough discussion and demonstration of the exercises by the instructor.
Conclusion and recommendations
The final assessment attributes the accident to a combination of inadequate planning and execution of the exercise and possibly a less than ideal flight path. The case emphasises the importance of structured training and strict adherence to training guidelines to prevent future accidents. The investigation serves as a reminder that proper preparation and adherence to standard procedures in flight training are vital.
Source references:
Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation