What happened
On October 23, 2023, an instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight at the Bagnères-de-Luchon aerodrome. Shortly after a winch takeoff, the instructor decided to terminate the flight due to unfavorable aerological conditions.
The instructor initiated an approach to runway 01, configuring the Schempp-Hirth Janus C for landing. While the approach initially appeared stabilized at approximately 115 km//h, the instructor was unable to absorb the aircraft's speed during the flare. The glider flew just one meter above the runway surface before bouncing mid-runway. As the aircraft reached the end of the unpaved runway, the instructor pitched up to avoid a perimeter fence and banked the aircraft to the right. The glider touched down and entered a ground loop, eventually coming to a stop perpendicular to the runway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the glider, including a broken fuselage.
The investigation
The investigation relied on data from the Open Glider Network (OGN) and the aircraft's FLARM unit. Investigators examined the cockpit controls, noting that the airbrake control on this model lacks a detent; if the handle is not held in position, the airbrakes can move slowly toward the retracted position. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data, which indicated winds from 360° at 9 knots with gusts up to 20 knots, and light to moderate turbulence.
Findings
- The instructor had extended the airbrakes halfway during the base leg and set the flaps to the landing configuration.
- The instructor likely kept his hand on the flap control instead of returning it to the airbrake control.
- Because the airbrake handle was not held, the airbrakes likely retracted progressively without the pilot noticing.
- This retraction led to an increased approach speed, reaching an estimated airspeed of 145 km/h during the flare.
- The pilot focused on the landing maneuver and did not realize the airbrakes had retracted until the aircraft failed to land within the runway limits.