What happened
On 07 August 2006, a Centrair Pegase 101A glider, registration EI-162, was conducting a private cross-country flight attempt near Gowran Grange. The pilot was attempting to achieve a Silver Distance milestone of 50 km. While initial flying conditions were favorable, the thermal lift necessary for the flight deteriorated as the aircraft progressed south toward Bunclody.
As the glider lost altitude, the pilot identified a suitable 300-meter grass field for an off-field landing at approximately 1,500 ft. By 1,000 ft, the decision to commit to this specific field was made. During the final approach, the aircraft was traveling at a low speed and low altitude. The pilot overshot the intended landing area, clearing the far boundary hedge but subsequently striking a tree while attempting to maneuver away from another obstacle. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate 270 degrees, leading to further contact between the wing and the tree. The pilot escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the landing phase. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical specifications, noting that the Centrair Pegase 101A is a high-performance glass fiber sailplane. The analysis also reviewed the pilot's experience level and the environmental factors present at the landing site.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's misjudgment of the final flight path during the approach to the field.
- The terrain, specifically the slope of the field and its location within a valley, likely provided misleading visual cues regarding the aircraft's height and descent angle.
- The convex shape of the selected field may have further contributed to the pilot's erroneous visual assessment.
- The pilot's relative lack of experience was a contributing factor in managing the complexities of an off-field landing.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a fractured tail boom, a distorted T-tail assembly, and significant damage to the starboard wing and port wingtip.