Accident Overview
On 16 August 2025 at 11:30 UTC, a tow plane and a glider crashed in the vicinity of Saint-Pons, France, east of Barcelonette Aerodrome (LFMR). The tow plane was a Robin DR400-180R, registration F-HRPB, owned and operated by a private individual. The glider was registered in Germany. Both aircraft were destroyed.
Aircraft and Crew
The tow plane was piloted by a single Swiss citizen. The glider carried one occupant. The accident resulted in fatal injuries to both the tow pilot and the glider occupant.
Flight Details
The flight operated under visual flight rules (VFR) for private purposes. Departure and intended landing were both at Barcelonette Aerodrome. According to the investigation notification, the single-seat glider was flying in a high position behind the tow plane. Both aircraft subsequently lost control and crashed. No third parties or passengers were involved, and no ground damage was reported.
Investigation
The Bureau d’enquêtes et d’analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA) of France has opened a safety investigation. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) issued this notification on 27 August 2025.