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The crashed glider (Source: Dutch Safety Board)
The crashed glider (Source: Dutch Safety Board)

Loss of control, Eiriavion Oy PIK-20 D, PH-661

Status : Closed

On final approach the glider made a right turn after which the right wing of the gilder made contact with a row of trees. The aircraft then crashed on the other side of the row of trees and landed upside down. The pilot died from her injuries. The glider was badly damaged.

The Dutch Safety Board conducted an investigation at the scene of the accident. The right L’Hotellier connector was found unattached. A closer inspection of the glider wreckage did not show any defects that could have played a role in the occurrence of the accident.

It is surprising that the aircraft did not turn to Runway 04R for the final approach leg, the runway from which it had taken off. At the time, there was enough space on this runway to land. The most likely scenario is that the flaperon of the right wing was not correctly connected during assembly of the aircraft. As a result, the pilot may have experienced steering difficulties on the base leg. When the flaperons were put in the landing position on the final approach leg, an asymmetrical state may have occurred, causing the pilot to lose control of the aircraft.

More information can be found in the Quarterly Aviation Report Q4 2023.