Tug Aircraft Destroyed in Fatal Collision During Glider Towing

Casualties unknown • French is the work of reference., FR

A Robin DR300-180 crashed into trees after a glider entered a high tow position, leading to a loss of control of the tug aircraft.

What happened

On July 12, 2022, a Robin DR300-180 (registration F-BTBC) was performing a glider towing operation at the Revel-Montgey aerodrome. The flight involved towing a Centrair C201B "Marianne" glider, registered F-CBLG. During the initial climb, the glider ascended above the level of the tug aircraft, entering a dangerous high tow position.

Upon noticing the glider had risen above his line of vision, the glider pilot attempted to actuate the cable release mechanism. However, the release was unsuccessful, and the tow cable remained attached. The glider pilot then initiated a right-hand turn, which, combined with the high position of the glider, created extreme tension on the tow cable. This tension loaded the rear of the tug aircraft, causing the pilot to lose control. The tug aircraft subsequently struck trees and the ground, resulting in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.

The investigation

The BEA analyzed flight data from the glider's FLARM unit, which established a chronology of the flight path. The data confirmed that the glider's altitude increased rapidly before a sudden decrease, a phase consistent with being pulled downward by the tug. The investigation also included laboratory testing of the release mechanism on both the tug and the glider.

Testing revealed that while the release system was functioning within certified limits, the force required to operate the handle from the rear seat of the Marianne glider was significantly higher than that required from the front seat. This difference in physical effort was noted by other pilots at the flying club.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the glider entering a high tow position, which, when followed by a turn, generated enough tension on the cable to cause the tug pilot to lose control of the aircraft.
  • The release of the cable was delayed because the initial input on the release control was insufficient to overcome the tension and the higher mechanical resistance of the rear-seat control.
  • The pilot's lack of experience with this specific glider model contributed to the late release, as the physical effort required for the rear-seat release was greater than expected.
  • Operating the glider from the rear seat may have hindered the pilot's ability to effectively monitor the position of the tug aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the glider ascending into a high tow position and subsequently initiating a turn, which created excessive tension on the tow cable and led to the loss of control of the tug aircraft. The delay in releasing the cable was exacerbated by the pilot's lack of familiarity with the higher physical force required to operate the release mechanism from the rear seat of the specific glider model.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-07-12 Robin - DR300 - 180R accident near French is the work of reference., FR?

A Robin DR300-180 crashed into trees after a glider entered a high tow position, leading to a loss of control of the tug aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-07-12 involved a Robin - DR300 - 180R, registration F-BTBC, at French is the work of reference., FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the glider ascending into a high tow position and subsequently initiating a turn, which created excessive tension on the tow cable and led to the loss of control of the tug aircraft. The delay in releasing the cable was exacerbated by the pilot's lack of familiarity with the higher physical…

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