What happened
On July 18, 2008, a Schempp-Hirth Discus B glider, registration D-6000, was conducting a flight in the Massif des Bauges region. After taking off via winch from Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux, the pilot spent approximately 90 minutes soaring over the regional park. While flying near Mont Charvin, the pilot entered a spiral to utilize an updraft and began following a ridge toward the north-northeast.
During the flight, the pilot executed a sharp left turn, causing the aircraft to cross the ridge line. Immediately after crossing, the aircraft experienced a rapid loss of altitude. The glider struck the terrain in a valley at an altitude of 1,660 meters, resulting in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Data from a Flarm positioning system indicated that the aircraft had gained approximately 30 meters of altitude just before a rapid change in direction. The final recorded position showed the aircraft was 140 meters lower than the previous point, suggesting a loss of control occurred during the turn.
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the right wing was broken and the airbrakes were extended at the time of impact. An impact on the leading edge of the wing caused the aircraft to pivot toward the rock face, where it subsequently struck the slope with high residual velocity. Physical evidence at the site, including witness testimony, suggested the aircraft may have entered a spin.
Findings
- The pilot performed a rapid left turn while following the ridge, likely attempting to exploit an updraft.
- The aircraft crossed the ridge line into a zone characterized by significant downdrafts caused by cooling air descending the shaded, nearly vertical slopes.
- The aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and control, potentially entering a spin.
- Meteorological conditions included light winds and increasing shadows on the eastern side of the terrain, which contributed to the presence of downward air currents.