What happened
On the evening of August 29, 2003, a Centrair ASW 20 F glider, registered F-CFFD, was conducting a local flight originating from the Angers airfield. After flying north toward La Pommeraye, the pilot began a return flight toward Marcé. During the flight, the pilot observed convective clouds and showers near Durtal but initially believed the weather conditions remained favorable for continuing the flight toward La Flèche.
Upon receiving information from another pilot regarding showers near the home airfield, the pilot decided to turn back. While approaching the airfield, the pilot was informed by Angers AFIS that a rain shower had recently passed over the aerodrome. Shortly thereafter, the glider entered a rain shower. While attempting to cross the shower to reach the airfield, visibility dropped significantly and the glider's aerodynamic performance was compromised.
In an attempt to find better conditions, the pilot increased airspeed and steered toward the north of the airfield. However, the aircraft entered a rapid descent. The pilot emerged from the shower at an altitude of approximately 200 meters over an unfamiliar area unsuitable for a field landing. Attempting to land in a nearby field, the pilot maintained a higher-than-normal speed to compensate for the wet surfaces of the aircraft. During the final turn, the glider experienced a sudden sink rate, striking the ground violently and coming to rest against a fence. The pilot sustained one injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight sequence and the meteorological conditions present at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot was aware of approaching convective activity but initially underestimated the impact of the weather on flight performance. The investigation also noted that the wet conditions rendered the wind indicator (yarn) on the canopy unusable, depriving the pilot of critical airspeed feedback during the final approach. The weather at the site was recorded as having winds of 270 degrees at 10 to 15 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots, and convective clouds with thunderstorms and showers.