Investigation number
198701426
Occurrence date
Location
Horsham
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The pilot was conducting the last leg of a competition flight when he realised that an outlanding would probably be necessary. However, he was able to reach a point about 3 kilometres from the destination aerodrome, and while manoeuvring towards the selected paddock he considered he could in fact reach the aerodrome. The planned outlanding attempt was abandoned, but approaching the aerodrome boundary the pilot realised he was too low, and decided to land in a stubble paddock. During the turn onto final approach the left wing tip contacted the stubble and the glider struck the ground heavily. The pilot had delayed making an outlanding because of his desire to complete the competition. Wind conditions were calm, and the pilot could have conducted a straight-in approach to the stubble paddock, thus avoiding a turn at very low height above the ground. The pilot had been airborne for nearly 5 hours, and it was possible that he was affected by fatigue.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
PZL - Bielsko
Model
SZD-48
Registration
VH-HNG
Operation type
Gliding
Departure point
Horsham VIC
Departure time
1345
Destination
Horsham VIC
Damage
Substantial