ASH 26 E undershoots into trees after a failed engine restart

An ASH 26 E was substantially damaged when it deployed its engine within easy glide of an aerodrome, could not restart it, and undershot the runway into trees. The self-launcher had sunk out and was gliding back to Aspres-sur-Buëch, easily reachable on ~40:1. Rather than land, the pilot extended the engine at about 260 m to climb on; it would not start. The deployed prop cut the glide to about 10:1, putting the runway out of reach; too low to retract it, he held his line and hit trees ~30 m short of runway 10. Investigators cited overconfidence in the engine and underrating the prop-out glide penalty.

1. Gliding back within reach: After the glider sank out soaring, the pilot glided back toward Aspres-sur-Buëch, within easy reach given his height and glide.
2. Engine deployed to keep flying: Rather than land, he extended the engine at about 260 m to climb and continue; it would not start after several tries.
3. Deployed prop halves the glide: The deployed, unstarted prop cut the glide from about 40:1 to 10:1, and the runway went out of reach.
4. Too low to retract: Too low to justify the time to retract the prop, the pilot held his line toward the runway.
5. Trees short of the threshold: The glider struck trees about 30 m short of runway 10 and was substantially damaged; the pilot was unhurt.