What happened
On Tuesday, August 14, 2001, at 11:50 AM, a H.A.O.C HK 36 TTC Super Dimona motor glider, registration F-CHQA, was performing a series of simulated field landing exercises near Labrosse, France. The flight was part of a training session involving an instructor and a student pilot. After successfully completing several maneuvers, the instructor selected a final field to conclude the session.
As the student pilot executed the simulated landing and the crew initiated the go-around, the pilots observed electrical power lines. In an attempt to avoid the obstacle, the instructor pitched the aircraft up; however, the propeller struck the upper cable of the power line. Following the impact, the aircraft entered a nose-down attitude and crashed into the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the visibility of the obstacles. The terrain chosen for the maneuver was a field with a slight downward slope, situated near a wooded valley. Investigators established that while the electrical cables spanned the field, the supporting utility poles were obscured by surrounding trees and dense vegetation. The cables were positioned approximately ten meters above the ground.
Findings
- The crew was performing a simulated landing exercise, which is permitted under specific regulatory derogations provided the altitude remains within controlled limits.
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with an electrical line during the go-around phase.
- The utility poles were not visible to the crew due to being masked by trees and vegetation.
- The impact with the upper cable caused the aircraft to lose control and strike the terrain.
- The accident resulted in two injuries (the instructor and the student) and heavy damage to the H.A.O.C HK 36 TTC Super Dimona.