Discus B hits ridge below crest in storm-line mountain competition

The pilot of a Schempp-Hirth Discus B was fatally injured when the glider struck the Gourras massif slope during a mountain world-cup speed task in the French Alps; aircraft destroyed. After the first assigned area, the teammate turned back to avoid a storm barrier; the Discus B continued east via the Gache ridge ~50 m above crest. Crossing the narrow valley toward Gourras at ~1,350 m, the glider likely met downdrafts forcing it below crest height, near two high-tension lines. The right wingtip struck the slope at ~1,230 m and the airframe disintegrated. Investigation cited continuing at low height in unfavourable mountain weather.

1. Mountain world-cup speed task from Vinon: The pilot launched from Vinon at 13:26 LT for the first round of a mountain gliding world cup speed task with assigned areas (cercles around Rosans, Aiguines, La Javie, and return to Vinon). A briefing forecast a south-to-southwest wind 5-10 kt with gusts 20-30 kt and a storm line developing on a NE axis between Oraison and Digne-les-Bains.
2. Storm line developing east of route: A storm line developed over the relief east of the route with strong gusts and locally reduced visibility under thunderstorms. Many competitors landed early at Sisteron or Château-Arnoux due to the unfavourable weather east of the accident area.
3. Teammate turns back; Discus continues: After the first assigned area, the pilot's teammate saw a storm barrier on the Montagne de Vaumuse and turned back southwest. The Discus B pilot chose to continue east toward La Javie via the Montagne de Gache rather than following the leg toward Aiguines as briefed.
4. Following Gache ridge at ~50 m clearance: GPS data showed the Discus B following the Montagne de Gache ridge at about 1,350 m, approximately 50 m above the crest, on a track toward the Gourras crest (1,352 m) to the east-northeast.
5. Valley crossing into downdrafts: The glider entered the ~700 m wide valley between the Lauzas crest (1,305 m) and the Gourras crest. The southerly wind over the terrain likely produced downdrafts in the valley that forced the glider below crest height during the crossing. Two high-tension lines crossed the area — one upstream to the north, one downstream to the east — which may have forced a late course adjustment back toward the west.
6. Right wingtip slope strike ~1,230 m: At ~15:05 LT the right wingtip struck the steep slope of the Gourras massif at about 1,230 m on an east-to-west trajectory. The airframe disintegrated downslope; the pilot was fatally injured. The BEA-cited cause was the decision to continue at low height in unfavourable mountain weather.