What happened
On June 17, 2024, at approximately 20:13 local time, a Schleicher ASH 25 E glider, registration F-CISG, was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) operation near the Santa Cilia de Jaca aerodrome in Huesca. The aircraft, operated privately, was attempting to join the aerodrome's traffic pattern to land following a flight lasting several hours.
While executing the final approach, the pilot realized the aircraft was losing altitude more rapidly than anticipated. Fearing the glider would be unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn and performed an emergency landing in a nearby wheat field. The impact resulted in significant damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries, while the passenger remained uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation is currently examining the circumstances surrounding the flight. The scope of the inquiry includes an analysis of the pilot's flight preparation and the execution of the approach to the aerodrome. Additionally, investigators are reviewing the maintenance history of the F-CISG and the meteorological conditions present at the time of the accident.