What happened
On May 12, 2012, a Grob 102 Astir CS, registration EC-GND, was conducting a private flight departing from and returning to the La Mancha aerodrome in Toledo, Spain. During the approach to runway 10, the pilot entered the downwind leg and determined the aircraft was too high to land directly. To lose altitude, the pilot decided to perform an additional traffic pattern.
After completing the descent, the pilot rejoined the circuit. However, while turning onto the base leg, the pilot realized the aircraft was too low. Upon reaching the final approach, believing the runway was no longer reachable, the pilot attempted a field landing by executing a 9/0-degree turn to the north toward a nearby agricultural field. The maneuver resulted in the aircraft landing in an area covered with shrubs, causing important damage to the glider. The pilot escaped the accident uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's experience, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the weather conditions were optimal for flight, with light, variable winds and high temperatures. The aircraft's maintenance records showed it had undergone a recent 500-hour/annual inspection and was airworthy.
A qualified witness, also a glider pilot, observed the aircraft performing an extra circuit to lose altitude. The witness noted that while the aircraft appeared low on the base leg, it might have been able to reach the runway threshold. The witness further observed the aircraft turning left on final approach and estimated the glider came to rest approximately 100 meters from the runway.
Findings
- The pilot's erroneous estimation of altitude loss during the second traffic pattern and the subsequent turn was the primary factor in the accident.
- The pilot's decision-making was influenced by the need to avoid obstacles, such as bushes and a ditch, located near the threshold of runway 10.
- A lack of experience likely contributed to the inability to manage the altitude loss during the final maneuvering phase.