What happened
On the afternoon of July 21, 1999, a Schleicher ASH 26 E motorized glider, registered D-KCDW, crashed into the terrain near La Roche Bernaude, France. The aircraft was conducting a local flight toward Ste Croix du Verdon when it struck an east-facing slope at the peak of La Planette, at an altitude of 2,979 meters. The impact occurred at low speed, and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot, a 72-year-old individual with 292 total flying hours, was killed in the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident and the pilot's flight experience. At the site, winds were recorded between 270° and 300° at speeds of 24 to 26 knots. While visibility was good at over 10 km, the westerly airflow was strong enough to generate an orographic wave. This atmospheric condition produced moderate to locally strong turbulence and downdrafts near the crest of the mountain. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while they held a valid German license, the pilot had relatively limited flight experience in relation to their age.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the terrain on an east-facing slope positioned under the crest.
- Strong turbulence and downdrafts generated by the orographic wave near the mountain crest were significant environmental factors.
- The pilot's limited flying experience, particularly when considered alongside their age, may have contributed to the inability to manage the challenging meteorological conditions.