Accident to the Rolladen Schneider LS7-WL registered F-CGYB on 15/10/2019 at Pic Saint-Loup in the commune of Cazevieille (Hérault)

Cat. 2 investigation report: simplified-format report, adapted to the circumstances of the occurrence and the investigation stakes.

The pilot took off a first time to carry out a wave soaring flight. Having failed to take up the wave, he returned to land at the aerodrome before taking off again to make the slope soaring flight at Pic Saint- Loup. Taking into consideration the direction of the wind (approximately 40° to the terrain) and its strong turbulent characteristics, the slope soaring flight at Pic Saint-Loup was possible but it was difficult to gain altitude. During his manoeuvres, the pilot found himself downwind of the terrain at low height. He probably flew into rotors and lost control of the glider. His proximity to the terrain did not allow him to quickly regain control to move away from the terrain before collision with the ground.