What happened
On 10 January 2021, a CENTRAIR 101 Pegase glider, registered F-CGSV, was performing a towed takeoff from runway 30 at Mantes-Chrendce aerodrome. The flight was part of a local circuit. Shortly after the aircraft lifted off, the glider rose above and to the left of the tug aircraft. Observing the glider's position in his rearview mirror, the tug pilot released the tow cable, reduced throttle, and moved toward the taxiway to monitor the glider's path.
Following the cable release, the glider pilot attempted a left-hand turn to land on the intersecting runway 04. During this maneuver, the glider reached a height of approximately 17 meters before the pilot lost control. The aircraft subsequently stalled and collided with trees located near the edge of the aerodrome. The glider sustained substantial damage to its wing leading edges and tail fin, but the wreckage remained hanging in the vegetation.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage and found no mechanical anomalies; the air brakes were retracted, control linkages were intact, and the cockpit ventilation system was operational. The investigation also reviewed flight tracking data from the OGN and FLARM systems, as well as statements from the pilot, the tug pilot, and the wing runner.
Investigators found that the glider's canopy was heavily misted due to high humidity. The pilot reported feeling stressed and rushed because he did not want to delay the tug pilot. This lack of visibility prevented the pilot from maintaining the correct aircraft attitude and from seeing the tug aircraft. Additionally, the tug pilot did not provide a radio announcement regarding the cable release.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during a low-altitude turn following the cable release.
- The pilot's decision to attempt a turn to runway 04 at a very low altitude contributed to the stall.
- The pilot's focus was diverted by the effort to regain visual contact with the tug, as the misted canopy severely restricted visibility.
- A rushed departure, driven by the desire to avoid delaying the tug aircraft, meant the pilot proceeded with takeoff despite the obscured vision.