What happened
On June 8, 2005, a pilot participating in a gliding competition near Romorantin, France, was conducting a triangular navigation flight. After passing the first waypoint at Clion, the pilot noted a continuous loss of altitude. At approximately 12:37 UTC, the pilot notified the Italian flight team via radio of the intention to perform a field landing due to the decreasing altitude, confirming that the landing gear had been extended.
As the pilot attempted to maneuver for the landing, GPS data indicates a series of turns. While attempting a steep turn to the right to reach a chosen landing area, the aircraft entered a stall. The impact occurred at a very low altitude, leaving insufficient height for the pilot to recover control of the LS8-15.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path and its weight and balance configuration. Investigators examined the wreckage of the D-6315 and recovered a GPS unit that allowed for the reconstruction of the final flight segments. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's loading requirements and the pilot's experience.
Technical analysis of the wreckage showed no mechanical malfunctions. However, investigators found that the water ballast tanks in the wings and tail were empty. The investigation also noted that while the pilot was fully qualified, the aircraft's specific loading instructions—which were provided in German—were not properly addressed regarding the pilot's weight.
Findings
- The pilot was attempting a field landing due to a lack of rising air.
- The aircraft was flying with an aft center of gravity because no compensatory ballast was installed to offset the pilot's weight.
- This aft CG made the glider unstable and difficult to handle, particularly during high-bank maneuvers at low speeds.
- During a steep turn, the combination of high angle of attack and the unstable CG caused the aircraft to stall at an altitude too low for recovery.
- The pilot did not use the required movable ballast to balance the aircraft's center of gravity.