What happened
On 31 May 2019, a pilot was conducting a solo cross-country training flight in a Schleicher ASK21 glider, registration F-CLIN, starting from Challes-les-Eaux aerodrome. After a winch takeoff, the pilot proceeded toward Pointe d’Andey, reaching altitudes of up to 2,600 m.
While attempting to utilize thermal uplift near the Massif du Parmelan, the pilot was unable to maintain or regain altitude for approximately 90 minutes. As the aircraft's altitude dropped to roughly 600 m, the pilot decided to perform an off-field landing. While attempting a low-altitude turn to head into the wind, the left wing brushed the tall grass, and the subsequent touchdown caused the right wing to strike the ground, resulting in a ground loop. The glider was severely damaged, and there were no injuries.
The investigation
The BEA examined the pilot's training records, the flying club's internal flight zone regulations, and the circumstances surrounding the flight clearance. The investigation revealed that the pilot held a restricted license that prohibited carrying passengers and limited flights to local areas.
Investigators found that the club utilized a system of color-coded zones (blue, red, etc.) to designate flight difficulty based on terrain and airspace complexity. However, the pilot was unaware of these specific restrictions. Furthermore, the runway manager, facing a high workload, issued a clearance to a destination that exceeded the pilot's authorized experience level without being able to verify the pilot's training record via the club's software.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the accident:
- Inadequate communication of flight zone restrictions within the flying club, which left the pilot unaware of his limitations and the runway manager unable to enforce them.
- Improper flight clearance issued by the runway manager, who failed to account for the pilot's experience level due to heavy workload and lack of access to training data.
- Pilot overconfidence stemming from previous training flights in similar conditions, which led him to believe he could safely navigate more demanding areas.
- A late decision to abort the flight, which prevented the pilot from performing a proper reconnaissance of the landing site or preparing for the off-field landing.
Safety action
Following the investigation, the flying club updated its internal procedures to ensure better distribution of flight zone information to all instructors and students.