What happened
On July 1, 2002, at 14:25, a Centrair C 201 B glider, registration F-CBLA, was involved in a ground collision at the Saint-Girons aerodrome. The aircraft, operated by a local club and carrying an instructor and a student pilot, had departed via winch launch from runway 34. Following several maneuvers, the pilot transitioned to the runway 16 circuit with the intention of landing against the wind.
After completing the landing on the paved runway 16, the pilot proceeded to taxi the aircraft to position it behind another glider that was stationary and awaiting a winch launch. This second glider was positioned at the start of runway 34, with its right wing resting on the paved surface. During this maneuvering, the pilot of the F-CBLA failed to maintain adequate separation from the stationary aircraft, resulting in the leading edge of the right wing of the Centrair C 201 B striking the leading edge of the right wing of the second glider. Both aircraft sustained damage to their wings.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the taxiing maneuvers and the operational procedures at the aerodrome. Investigators examined the positioning of the aircraft on the runway and the sequence of events leading to the contact. The inquiry also looked into the club's operational practices regarding the use of the aerodrome and the timing of launch preparations.