Accident to the Eiri PIK-20 E registered D-KVNO on 29/08/2019 at Vernet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
Collision avec des arbres lors d'un atterrissage d'urgence dans un champ
While flying over mountainous terrain, the pilot saw the wreckage of a glider. He altered his path to check whether he should alert the rescue services and found himself on the downwind side of the mountain. He then turned away from the terrain and attempted to start the engine without success. He focused on this problem to the detriment of monitoring his height, searching for a suitable landing area and preparing for an off-field landing. As a result, he was unable to land safely and the glider struck trees during the final approach and then hit the ground.
The pilot realised after the flight that he had failed to release the propeller brake, which hindered the starting of the engine.