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 for the first round of a mountain gliding world cup speed task with assigned areas around Rosans, Aiguines, and La Javie, returning to Vinon.
2. Storm line developing east of route: A storm line developed over the terrain east of the route, bringing strong gusts and locally reduced visibility; many competitors landed early at Sisteron or Château-Arnoux.
3. Teammate turns back; Discus continues: After the first assigned area, the pilot's teammate turned back southwest at a storm barrier over the Montagne de Vaumuse; the pilot continued east toward La Javie via the Montagne de Gache.
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 Gourras crest. Southerly wind likely produced downdrafts that forced it below crest height while crossing.
6. Right wingtip slope strike ~1,230 m: At about 15:05 the right wingtip struck the steep slope of the Gourras massif at about 1,230 m on an east-to-west track. The glider disintegrated downslope and the pilot was fatally injured.