What happened
On July 25, 2016, a pilot participating in a regional soaring competition was flying a Centrair C101 "Pégase", registration F-CHKN, near Plounévez-Quintin, France. During a speed trial event, the pilot observed deteriorating weather conditions near Carhaix. After deciding to abort the circuit and return to the departure airfield, the pilot identified a field where another glider had already performed a precautionary landing.
While descending toward the field, the pilot spotted an electrical power line crossing the landing area. This discovery forced a change in landing strategy, as the pilot determined the original approach path was obstructed. At an altitude of less than 200 meters, the pilot opted to land in the opposite direction, resulting in a left-hand tailwind approach. During the final turn, the aircraft's speed dropped near the stall margin. Although the pilot managed to increase speed to approximately 140 km/h using the airbrakes, the aircraft remained too high and fast. Due to the downward slope of the field and the high approach speed, the glider overshot the landing area and struck hedgerows and a tree, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making process and the execution of the landing. The BEA examined the pilot's use of the standard "VERDO" checklist (Wind, Surface, Terrain, Dimensions, Obstacles) used for field landings. The investigation also reviewed the impact of the competition environment on the pilot's flight path decisions and the influence of the previously landed aircraft on the pilot's assessment of the field's suitability.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident:
- The presence of another glider already in the field led the pilot to attempt a landing without fully assessing the field's characteristics.
- The late detection of an electrical power line destabilized the pilot's approach plan.
- The combination of a tailwind, an excessive approach speed, and the downward slope of the field caused the landing to be too long.
- The pilot failed to perform the standard landing checklist, which might have prompted a choice of a more suitable landing site.