What happened
On June 30, 2012, a Centrair 101 Pégase glider, registration F-CDHA, was conducting a local flight from the Brioude Beaumont aerodrome. The pilot decided to shorten the flight due to weak thermals and encountered significant downdrafts while approaching the airfield.
While performing a right-hand circuit for the unpaved runway 15L, the pilot found the aircraft low during the downwind leg and shortened the pattern. The pilot reported completing the final turn at an altitude of approximately 50 meters. Because the glider was not properly aligned with the runway centerline, the pilot applied right rudder to correct the trajectory. This maneuver caused the aircraft to bank to the right, resulting in the right wingtip striking the ground at the start of the runway. The impact triggered a ground loop.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the pilot's corrective actions during the final approach. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, which included a 10-knot wind from 180° with gusts up to 18 knots from the southeast, and noted that the pilot experienced turbulent aerological conditions. The pilot's flight experience was also reviewed, noting 1,092 total flight hours, with 550 hours on this specific type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the execution of corrective maneuvers at a very low altitude, which led to the right wingtip striking the runway surface and the subsequent ground loop.
- The pilot's attempt to realign the aircraft with the runway axis via rudder input caused an excessive bank angle at a critical height.