Accident to the Comco Ikarus C42-C identified 64ADG on 30/09/2020 at Itxassou (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

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

While towing the glider along the terrain below Artzamendi summit, the pilot of the microlight encountered vultures and instinctively performed an evasive manoeuvre by turning to the right and descending, without announcing it to the pilot of the glider. The latter was surprised by this abrupt manoeuvre but, seeing the microlight pilot perform a pull-up manoeuvre to try to return to the previous path, he did not change his path or release the cable.
The jolts on the cable, the lateral separation between the two aircraft, and the possible high tow position of the glider probably made it difficult for the pilot to control the path of the microlight. The microlight banked left and turned facing the terrain. The glider pilot then released the cable and turned in the opposite direction. The microlight's turn became more pronounced. Because of the small lateral margin to the terrain, the pilot was unable to avoid collision with the ground.