ASW 20 strikes a power line on final of a mountain outlanding

The pilot of an ASW 20 was injured and the glider destroyed when, on the final approach of an outlanding, the tail snagged a power line and the glider hit the ground. New to this Alpine region and flying without a local briefing, the pilot ranged out from his home field, then found no lift on the way back and sank. Believing he was still within gliding reach of the field, he could not cross the last ridge on his route and broke off to land. On the last turn the glider lost height fast and on final its tail caught a low-voltage line, which arced and dropped it onto the ground. The late break-off was linked to his limited mountain experience.

1. Ranging out from home field: After an aerotow from Sisteron the pilot soared out over the mountains, new to the region and without a local briefing.
2. No lift on the way back: Returning home he found no usable lift and the glider sank steadily.
3. Ridges block the direct return: Believing he was within glide of the aerodrome, he could not cross the last ridge line on his route.
4. Late break-off to a field: He broke off to land in a field; on the last turn the glider lost height quickly.
5. Power line strike on final: On final the tail snagged a low-voltage power line, which arced and dropped the glider onto the ground; it was destroyed and the pilot injured.