What happened
On June 26, 2013, a Centrair ASW20 glider, registered F-CFLN, was conducting a flight in the Alps when the pilot decided to terminate the flight due to deteriorating weather conditions. After encountering strong downdrafts, the pilot evaluated nearby landing options. While the "La Faurie" field was identified in safety guides as a suitable landing site, the pilot instead selected an alternative field oriented toward the north.
During the approach, the pilot flew into a headwind component and deployed the landing gear, flaps, and airbrakes. In an attempt to achieve a short landing, the pilot increased the descent rate while passing trees located at the field's edge. During the flare, the aircraft experienced a stall, resulting in a hard impact with the ground. The impact caused significant damage to the glider's wheel and tail boom.
The investigation
Investigators examined the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, noting a 12-knot wind from 340° and moderate turbulence within a subsiding air mass. The investigation also reviewed the characteristics of the chosen landing site, which was approximately 250 meters long and bordered by trees to the south. The pilot's flight experience, totaling 759 hours, was also considered.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an inappropriate control input during the flare maneuver.
- A contributing factor was an unsuitable approach trajectory, characterized by a shortened final approach.
- The pilot's decision to steepen the descent to force a short landing contributed to the loss of airspeed and subsequent stall.