What happened
On June 22, 2018, a Centrair C 101 glider, registration F-CGOP, was performing a winch launch from the Chalons-Ecury-sur-Coole aerodrome. During the second flight of the day, the pilot encountered significant atmospheric instability, including strong downdrafts reaching speeds of -4 to -5 m/s. Finding the aircraft too low and too far from the airfield to return to the runway, the pilot decided to perform an off-field landing in a nearby wheat field.
While executing a standard landing pattern—consisting of a downwind leg, base leg, and final approach—the glider struck an electrical line that was perpendicular to the flight path. The impact caused severe damage to the outer third of the right wing. Following the collision with the wires, the aircraft struck the ground, resulting in significant damage to the rear fuselage and the elevators.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the visibility of obstacles during the approach. Investigators analyzed the flight path using onboard FLARM data and reviewed the pilot's use of the "VERDO" mnemonic, a tool used to evaluate wind, surface condition, relief, dimensions, and obstacles when selecting a landing site.
Evidence showed that the pilot was primarily focused on the surface profile of the wheat field, likely due to concerns regarding the height of the crops. The investigation also examined environmental factors, including the sun's position and the specific geometry of the approach pattern used.