What happened
On June 27, 2007, at 17:40, a Centrair 101 A glider, registration F-CHLZ, was performing a local flight at the Avignon Pujaut aerodrome. The pilot departed via winch launch from runway 35 R and reached an altitude of approximately 420 meters. Seeking thermal lift, the pilot flew toward the slopes south of the aerodrome, where dynamic lift had been observed prior to takeoff. However, the pilot was unable to locate any rising air currents and began a descent at a rate of -3 m/s.
At an altitude of roughly 150 meters and approximately two kilometers from the aerodrome, the pilot decided to return to the airfield. During the approach, the pilot realized the altitude was insufficient and altered the flight path to attempt a landing within the aerodrome perimeter. At an altitude of 100 meters and about one kilometer from the threshold of runway 3 . . . 35 R, the pilot encountered a strong headwind. To clear a cypress hedge located 300 meters from the threshold of runway 35 L, the pilot increased speed to 120 km/h and pitched the aircraft up to an angle of approximately 30 degrees. During this maneuver, the glider struck the hedge, causing the aircraft to drop backward before coming to a rest.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the pilot's decision-making process. While the pilot had observed dynamic lift earlier in the day, other glider pilots in the area noted that the wind had shifted to the northwest shortly before the accident, which had eliminated the lift on the southern slopes. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and training, noting that while the pilot had performed several winch launches earlier that afternoon, they had not previously practiced landing in open fields or searching for suitable off-field landing zones.
Findings
- An incorrect analysis of the meteorological situation led the pilot to seek lift that was no longer present due to a wind shift.
- A late decision to return to the aerodrome left the pilot with insufficient altitude for a standard approach.
- An obstinacy to reach the aerodrome resulted in a dangerous maneuver attempting to clear obstacles at low altitude.