What happened
On June 1, 2000, a single-seat Glaser Dirks DG 200 glider, registration F-CHBJ, was conducting a circuit flight after departing from Fayence. During the flight, the pilot utilized various thermals near the Briauge mountain and the Valferrière ridge, reaching altitudes of up to 1,750 meters. Following an attempt to fly north, the pilot turned west toward a cumulus cloud near Logis-du-Pin to locate new lift, eventually descending to 1,600 meters.
As the pilot returned east toward the Séranon ridge, the aircraft continued to lose altitude, dropping to 1,300 meters. Facing persistent strong sink, the pilot decided to execute an emergency landing in a pre-identified field near the Gratemoine chapel. In an attempt to land in a downwind configuration, the pilot aborted the initial plan, resulting in a landing in a different field located several dozen meters west of the intended site. During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a hidden ditch obscured by tall grass, causing the landing gear to collapse. The glider subsequently tipped onto its right wing and entered a ground loop, which resulted in the breakage of the tail boom and the right wing extension.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers leading to the landing and the environmental factors present at the time of the accident. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, which included winds from 180° to 220° at 15 to 20 knots, and the pilot's decision-making process regarding the selection of an emergency landing field under sinking air conditions.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the airframe, specifically the tail boom and right wing extension.
- The primary cause of the accident was the late decision to land in the secondary field.
- The presence of a hidden ditch, masked by tall vegetation, contributed to the structural failure of the landing gear during the rollout.