Investigation number
198600683
Occurrence date
Location
1 km North Gawler
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The pilot was taking part in a gliding race. About 3 kilometres from the destination the pilot realised that he would not reach the aerodrome and that an outlanding would be necessary. He selected a small paddock with trees on the approach boundary, but sink was encountered and he found he was unable to clear these trees. The aircraft stalled either just before or coincident with colliding with the tree tops. The right wingtip then struck the ground 22 metres beyond the trees and the glider rotated through about 140 degrees to the right before the fuselage impacted heavily with the ground. The decision to outland was left too late.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
PZL - Bielsko
Model
SZD-48
Registration
VH-UKQ
Operation type
Gliding
Departure point
Gawler SA
Departure time
1214
Destination
Gawler SA
Damage
Substantial