What happened
On 18 October 2020, a Centrair 201B glider, registered F-CGTP, was engaged in a slope soaring flight over the eastern slopes of the Monte Rinosu and Monte Incudine massifs in Haute Corse. The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, had departed from the Ghisonaccia-Alzitone aerodrome earlier that day.
After approximately two hours of maneuvering, the pilot observed another single-seater glider flying at a higher altitude. In an attempt to gain altitude and close the gap, the pilot initiated a spiral maneuver under the ridge. During the completion of the first spiral turn, the aircraft found itself facing the terrain. The glider's wings made initial contact with the treetops, causing a loss of airspeed. Despite an attempt to climb, the aircraft continued into the forest canopy, eventually coming to a stop with its nose approximately 50 centimeters above the ground. The impact resulted in the destruction of the glider, though no fatalities or injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation, which utilized FLARM data and pilot statements, examined the flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot, an experienced instructor with over 2,700 flight hours, noted that while he was intimately familiar with the local terrain, the irregular nature of the pine tree canopy made it difficult to accurately estimate the height of the treetops.
Investigators also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which included a light breeze and visibility exceeding 10 km. The pilot indicated that he may have been distracted by the presence of the other glider and the excitement of the flight challenge, which contributed to his failure to recognize the decreasing margin of altitude relative to the terrain.