What happened
On 27 June 2021, a Rolladen Schneider LS6 glider, registration D-6423, was performing a cross-country flight to the Aubenasson aerodrome in France. The pilot, who was visiting the aerodrome for the first time to attend a training course, arrived at the destination in the late afternoon.
Upon arrival, the pilot observed the wind conditions and waited for the runway to clear. To manage the approach, the pilot initiated a U-shaped maneuver rather than a conventional L-shaped approach. During this sequence, the pilot determined the aircraft was too high on the glide path. In an attempt to increase the rate of descent, the pilot fully extended the air brakes and moved the flaps to the "L" position.
This configuration change caused a significant increase in drag, resulting in the glider dropping below the intended approach slope. Although the pilot retracted the air brakes in an attempt to recover, the aircraft could not reach the runway threshold. The glider struck the ground near the edge of the runway, bounced, and slid before coming to a stop. The impact resulted in one severe injury to the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BEA examined the flight data, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the pilot's experience. The investigation focused on the aircraft's flap and air brake mechanics, noting that in the "L" position, the air brakes are fully deployed. Investigators also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included moderate to strong turbulence and a south-westerly wind.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the pilot's recent experience with the Rolladen Schneider LS6, noting that while the pilot was experienced in other gliders, he had only performed eight landings in this specific model, with very few using the full flap extension. The investigation also considered the impact of the U-shaped approach maneuver on the pilot's ability to manage the glide path.