What happened
On April 5, 2017, at 15:20 local time, a Glaser Dirks DG300 glider, registration F-CFVP, was performing an approach for landing on runway 30L at the Toulouse Bourg-Saint-Bernard aerodrome. After approximately twenty minutes of flight, the pilot attempted a short landing to minimize ground handling efforts. During the final approach, the glider's glide path became too shallow. Despite the pilot deploying air brakes, the aircraft could not correct its vertical trajectory. The glider touched down more than 500 meters before the runway threshold and bounced. During this maneuver, the left wing of the glider struck the propeller of a stationary Socata Rallye MS 893, registration F-BMNT, which was parked in the parking area near the threshold of runway 30R. The glider sustained heavy damage, while the tow plane suffered minor damage.
The investigation
The BEA investigation examined the flight sequences, the airfield's operational procedures, and the environmental conditions. The investigators reviewed the aerodrome's operating instructions, which specify that runway 30R is reserved for winch launches, while landings and towed departures should use runway 30L. The investigation also looked into the use of the area preceding the 30L threshold for aircraft storage. Interviews with airfield users revealed that pilots occasionally used the area approximately 300 meters before the runway threshold as a storage zone, creating potential obstacles for landing aircraft. Additionally, the investigation noted that the club had recently replaced its tow plane with a lower-powered model and that, contrary to published instructions, runway 30R was frequently used for towing to take advantage of the longer runway.
Findings
- The pilot of the glider underestimated the impact of the headwind during the final approach.
- In an effort to reduce ground handling time, the pilot attempted a short landing by shifting the intended touchdown point before the runway threshold.
- The low glide path prevented the aircraft from clearing obstacles positioned before the threshold.
- The presence of aircraft in the area preceding the runway threshold created a hazard for landing operations.