What happened
On July 5, 2000, at approximately 17:50, a Schempp-Hirth Discus 2B glider, registration D-8140, was performing training maneuvers in preparation for the Junior World Gliding Championships near Issoudun. While on approach to runway 29, the pilot determined that the aircraft would be unable to reach the airfield. Consequently, the pilot elected to perform an out-landing in a field located approximately 700 meters short of the runway.
During the final approach to the chosen field, the pilot identified a telephone line running along the edge of the landing area at a height of roughly four meters. In an attempt to clear this obstacle, the pilot initiated a pitch-up maneuver. During this maneuver, the right wingtip struck a medium-voltage electrical line positioned about 12 meters above the ground, running parallel to the telephone line. The impact caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, resulting in a crash in the field. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, and the pilot was the sole occupant on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact with the electrical infrastructure. Investigators examined the flight conditions, which included visibility greater than 10 km and scattered clouds at 3,700 feet, as well as the pilot's decision-making process regarding the off-field landing. The investigation established that the pilot's attempt to avoid a low-altitude telephone line led to the unintended contact with the higher-voltage lines.