What happened
On April 14, 2016, a SCHLEICHER ASK 23, registration G-DEVY, departed from the La Cerdanya aerodrome in Girona, Spain, for a local flight. The aircraft was operated by a private pilot performing a solo flight.
Data retrieved from the aircraft's FLARM flight tracking system indicates that the flight lasted approximately nine minutes. After releasing the towrope, the pilot flew toward the mountainous terrain north of the aerodrome to practice ridge lift techniques. However, the flight records show that the pilot performed almost no turns during the flight. This lack of maneuvering suggests the aircraft likely lost sufficient energy to maintain altitude, necessitating an emergency landing.
The aircraft performed an off-field landing in the municipality of Meranges, impacting a series of rocks. The nose of the aircraft struck a 70 kg rock, which caused the glider to move sideways and strike additional stones. The impact was severe enough that a stone penetrated the cockpit area. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis and a fractured elbow, and required intensive medical care.
The investigation
Because there were no eyewitnesses and the pilot had no memory of the accident due to his injuries, investigators relied heavily on the FLARM system to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, which showed a satisfactory annual inspection earlier that year, and the pilot's qualifications, noting he met all requirements for an EASA sailplane pilot license despite pending paperwork.
Meteorological analysis indicated that while weather conditions were not limiting for flight, other pilots in the area reported turbulent conditions. The investigation also analyzed the wreckage, noting significant structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and cockpit floor.
Findings
- The aircraft was fully documented and airworthy at the time of the accident.
- The pilot possessed the necessary experience and qualifications for the flight.
- Weather conditions were suitable for the type of operation, though turbulence was present in the region.
- The accident was caused by the off-field landing, which resulted in the aircraft striking rocks in the terrain.