AAIB investigation to Rolladen-Schneider LS8-18, G-CJNB
Collided with trees whilst on approach to land, Seighford Airfield, Staffordshire, 5 September 2021.
Summary:
The pilot was flying a circuit following a winch launch. As the glider approached the landing site the pilot thought the glider was too high to make a safe landing so decided to fly an orbit. However, there was insufficient height to complete the orbit and the glider collided with trees in an adjacent field.
After the accident the pilot reflected that her previous experience at a hillside landing site and on lower performance gilders may have caused her to misjudge the approach. This report considers how previous experience can influence perception and discusses the challenge of decision making in a time-limited and stressful situation.
Download report: