What happened
On 2 June 2020, a Centrair SNC34C glider, registration F-CIHH, was conducting winch launch training at the Ploërmel-Loyat aerodrome. The flight involved a pilot receiving instruction from an instructor. The session included planned exercises to practice aborting winch launches at various altitudes.
During a takeoff from runway 1ally, the crew attempted a winch launch abort exercise at a very low altitude. The instructor released the cable at a height estimated to be less than 30 meters. Following the release, the pilot applied a nose-down input to the stick. However, the aircraft experienced a steep descent profile, which the investigation attributed to a tailwind gust. Due to the low altitude and the sudden change in flight dynamics, the pilot was unable to execute a proper flare. The glider struck the runway centerline with a nose-down attitude, resulting in a hard landing that destroyed the aircraft. The instructor sustained severe injuries to his back but was able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
The BEA examined flight data from the onboard FLARM computer, meteorological records, and statements from the crew. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's flight manual and the French Gliding Federation (FFVP) winch launching manual. Investigators analyzed wind conditions at the time, noting that while the average wind was light, there were significant gusts and variable directions. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he had not performed a winch launch in nearly 40 years, and the instructor's training practices regarding low-altitude abort maneuvers.