What happened
On July 31, 2024, a S.T.R.A. CB 15 Crystal glider, registration F-CBCJ, was participating in a club competition known as the "Novice Cup" near Orléans - Saint-Denis-de-l’Hôtel. Following a winched takeoff, the pilot began a circuit course task. As the flight progressed, the pilot found it increasingly difficult to maintain altitude due to insufficient lift.
Upon reaching an altitude of approximately 300 meters near Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, the pilot determined that returning to the departure aerodrome was not feasible and decided to perform a field landing in a pre-identified area south of the town. To minimize impact energy, the pilot flew at a speed roughly 10 to 20 km/h below the recommended approach speed.
During the landing pattern, specifically at the end of the base leg and at an altitude of less than 50 meters, the pilot encountered turbulence. In an attempt to regain altitude, the pilot initiated a spiral maneuver. During this maneuver, the glider stalled, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft subsequently collided with vegetation and the ground, resulting in the destruction of the glider and injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The BEA examined the wreckage, flight data from the glider's FLARM and OGN 2, and statements from the pilot, a fellow competitor, and the competition organizer. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's control linkages, which were found to be intact prior to the impact, and examined the state of the airbrakes and landing gear. The investigation also reviewed the competition's operational procedures and the pilot's flight experience.