Accident to the Schemp Hirth Arcus M registered D-KLBC on 03/03/2022 at Glisy

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation published in October 2022. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference.

Note: the following information is principally based on statements made by the pilot. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1. HISTORY OF THE FLIGHT

The purpose of the flight was for the new co-owner to familiarize himself with the glider, accompanied by the previous owner.

The pilot went through the tests and checklists while lining up and then set the engine speed to 6,300 rpm. The take-off run was nominal and the motorglider took off at a speed of approximately 95 km/h. The pilot then accelerated in level flight to the indicated speed of
110 km. At this point, when the height was between 50 and 60 m, he noticed a sudden decrease in engine power. He checked that the power lever was in the full throttle position, which was also confirmed by the passenger. Both noted that the engine speed had decreased to 3,000 rpm.

The pilot prepared for a forced landing but considered that the area ahead of him was unsuitable, particularly due to the presence of a road, a fence and then a field with deep furrows running perpendicular to the glider's path. He therefore decided to try to return to Amiens-Glisy aerodrome to land. However, he soon realised that he would not be able to reach the runway and landed in a nearby field.

During the landing, the right wing touched the ground and the glider tipped before coming to rest.

2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2.1 Information about the occupants

The 42-year-old pilot held a valid glider pilot licence and a valid commercial pilot licence (CPL(A)).

He had logged approximately 2,000 glider flight hours, and approximately 3,000 aeroplane flight hours, in particular on military aeroplanes.

The 63-year-old passenger held a valid glider pilot licence. He had logged approximately
1,300 glider flight hours. He had carried out one 30-minute glider flight in the three months prior to the accident.

2.2 Meteorological information

The 15:30 automatic METAR for Albert-Bray aerodrome, about 25 km away, gave the following information:

- calm wind;

- visibility greater than 10 km;

- cloud layer: overcast at 3,100 ft;

- temperature 12 °C, dew point 6 °C;

- QNH 1015 hPa.

2.3 Statements

The pilot indicated that, due to the particular context of the recent sale of the glider, a briefing reviewing the procedures and actions to be taken had been carried out before the flight. Similarly, the pre-flight inspection had been particularly thorough, with the former owner giving details on all the key elements and specificities of the Arcus M.

He added that the before-take-off checks concerning the gliding aspects were carried out first and that the checks and tests on the engine were then carried out using the flight manual checklist.

2.4 Engine information

After the accident, the engine was inspected by the former owner. He stated that he noticed that a spark plug on one of the two cylinders had come out of its housing. He added that the spark plug, and particularly its seal, did not show the characteristic marks indicating correct tightening.

November 2022