Accident Overview
On 29 May 2022, at 18:45 local time, a Schleicher ASH 25 glider, registration F-CHAT, operated by a private owner, sustained significant damage during an off-field landing near Fuentemilanos aerodrome (LEFM) in Segovia, Spain. The aircraft had departed at 13:02 local time for a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. The glider was being flown under visual flight rules (VFR).
Sequence of Events
The flight proceeded as planned, with the glider being released from a tow at about 500 m above ground level. The pilot flew east along the mountain ridge for approximately 50 km before turning north and later west as thunderstorms developed in the area. At 18:30, the field manager reported a thunderstorm north of the aerodrome, prompting the pilot to return.
Approaching the aerodrome from 20 km north, the pilot descended to enter the traffic pattern at an altitude between 700 and 800 m and a speed of 150 km/h. Wind information from the field indicated a southwesterly wind, and runway 16 was in use. The pilot extended the landing gear and entered the downwind leg at 350 m and 110 km/h, setting flaps to 5 and deploying airbrakes.
During the base leg at about 200 m above ground, the glider encountered strong downdrafts. The pilot reported that the descent rate was high, so he continued the turn to final without fully aligning with the runway, retracted the airbrakes, and increased speed to 120 km/h. Despite these actions, the downdraft continued, accompanied by strong crosswind from the right and turbulence, preventing the glider from reaching the runway threshold.
The pilot attempted to maintain airspeed and used ground effect near the terrain. The glider touched the ground briefly but became airborne again, rising 1.5 to 2 m at about 90 km/h. Realizing he could not reach the runway, the pilot executed an off-field landing in a nearby field. During the landing, the glider struck a fence, causing damage to the passenger cabin, landing gear, and leading edges of the wings.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was uninjured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the passenger cabin, landing gear, and wing leading edges. There was no fire.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by loss of control of the glider during final approach due to strong downdrafts that prevented a safe landing on the runway. The management of the airbrakes during the landing was considered a contributing factor.