What happened
On August 1, 2013, at 16:15, a Rolladen-Schneider LS8-18 glider, registration F-CGZU, was performing a winch launch from the unpaved runway 08 at Angers Marcé aerodrome. After the pilot signaled readiness, the winch operator initiated the takeoff. As the glider ascended to approximately 40 meters, it entered a nose-up attitude. Observing a decrease in the aircraft's speed, the winch operator increased the winch speed to compensate. The glider then began to oscillate, banking right and then left, before entering a steep dive. The cable subsequently detached, and the glider struck the ground approximately 250 meters from its initial takeoff position. The impact resulted in one fatality and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions, witness testimonies, and the aircraft's technical state. On the day of the accident, winds were measured from 170° at 22 km/h, with gusts reaching 44 km/h. The winch operator reported that previous pilots had noted a tailwind component with gusts, which prompted him to increase the winding speed. While the winch operator did not observe a drop in cable tension, a pilot waiting at the runway threshold noted the cable appeared correctly tensioned but remarked that the weather conditions required significant experience.
Technical examination of the wreckage could not determine the trim position, and FLARM data provided no specific explanation for the loss of control. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting the pilot had 320 total flight hours, but had only flown the Rolladen-Schneider LS8-18 once, approximately ten days prior to the accident.
Findings
- The exact cause of the loss of control could not be definitively determined, but it is highly probable that an excessive nose-up attitude led to an aerodynamic stall.
- The low altitude reached during the launch prevented the pilot from recovering from the stall before impacting the ground.
- Maintaining a stable flight path was likely complicated by crosswind components and gusts that were near the aircraft's operational limits.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific glider type likely contributed to the accident.
Safety action
Following the accident, the flying club implemented stricter annual training requirements. Pilots are now required to perform three additional winch launches, all of which must include interrupted releases at different stages to ensure proficiency in emergency release procedures.