What happened
On August 27, 2004, at approximately 19:00 local time, a DG 80 and 800 powered glider, registration D-KIYL, crashed into a mountain slope near Puerto de Cotefablo, Huesca. The aircraft was participating in the Santa Cilia de Jaca Cup, a flight competition involving a 380 km route. After completing a turn at Torla, the pilot attempted to utilize a west-facing slope for soaring. While maneuvering at an altitude of approximately 1,650 m, the aircraft struck the ground. The impact caused the fuselage to split into two pieces, and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot survived the crash without injury.
The investigation
The investigation analyzed flight logger data and the pilot's testimony to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The logger revealed that the aircraft had been performing a figure-eight pattern near the slope at altitudes ranging between 1,622 m and 1,701 m. The data showed a final descent of eight seconds prior to impact, with the aircraft hitting the ground at an altitude of 1,653 m and an airspeed of 82 kph. The investigation also examined the meteorological conditions, which were reported as clear with good visibility and light winds from the west at 15 kph.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to gain altitude through slope soaring by utilizing a west-facing slope that was still receiving sunlight.
- The soaring conditions were inadequate, likely because the slope had not warmed sufficiently or because cold air was descending from the mountains due to the late hour.
- The pilot experienced a sudden loss of airspeed exceeding 60 kph, which coincided with the tail of the glider lifting.
- The pilot was flying at a very low altitude to maximize the slope effect, leaving insufficient time to react when the loss of lift occurred.
- The investigation noted that the pilot did not utilize the engine during the final phase, though starting the engine at such a low altitude might have compromised aerodynamic performance.