What happened
On September 19, 2014, a Schempp-Hirth Janus CM glider, registration F-CGQP, was performing a local flight near the Itxassou aerodrome. After releasing from a tow at 1,100 meters, the pilot decided to terminate the flight early due to a lack of thermals.
Approaching runway 26, the pilot initiated a turn during the base leg to avoid turbulence caused by southerly winds. While attempting to manage the descent, the pilot deployed air brakes and landing gear but failed to notice that the airspeed had increased to approximately 120 km/h. Upon touchdown at the midpoint of the runway, the aircraft bounced twice and regained altitude. Realizing the glider would not stop within the runway limits, the pilot attempted to land in a nearby field to the north. During a sudden turn to avoid a concrete utility pole, the aircraft's tail boom broke.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's approach profile, the meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's configuration. Investigators noted that the pilot was experienced, with 1,450 flight hours, and was familiar with the specific aerodynamic challenges of the Itxassou aerodrome, which is prone to turbulence when winds originate from the south. The investigation focused on the sequence of the approach, the timing of the aircraft configuration, and the energy management during the final stages of flight.