Accident Details
On August 9, 2008, at 1532 central daylight time, two gliders collided in midair six miles north of Brackettville, Texas. The aircraft involved were a Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2A (N777UN) and an AB Sportine Aviacija Genesis 2 (N110RG). Both flights had departed Garner Field Airport (UVA) in Uvalde, Texas, at approximately 1300. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flights were conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without flight plans. The gliders were participating in the Soaring Society of America's 15 meter class National Sailplane Race.
Pilot Accounts
The pilot of N110RG reported that he was following another glider at an altitude of 5,000 feet, heading for the first turn point. He observed the glider ahead enter a thermal and established visual contact before entering the thermal himself. He stabilized a right 55-degree bank and completed three turns. He then heard a loud bang and immediately lost control; the right wing dropped, the glider rolled to the right, and went inverted. The pilot exited the glider and deployed his parachute. During egress, he was struck in the neck by some portion of the glider. The parachute deployed without issue, but the landing was hard, resulting in serious injuries.
The pilot of N777UN stated that he observed two gliders in the thermal in front of him and entered the thermal underneath them. After two turns, he lost sight of the other gliders and collided shortly thereafter with N110RG. His left wing and winglet impacted the right wing of the other glider. He landed uneventfully at UVA.
Damage and Investigation
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who investigated, N110RG impacted terrain six miles north of Brackettville. The glider wreckage was inverted and exhibited signatures consistent with a right-hand spin prior to impact. A heavy rub mark and gash were noted on the bottom side of the right wing. The gash transitioned into a tear and partial separation of fiberglass. Material and paint transfer in the gash were consistent with the winglet of N777UN. The inspector stated that this damage would have inhibited the use of the right aileron and spoileron.
The winglet on N777UN was swept back 45 degrees, and material and paint transfer on the winglet were consistent with the surface area of the wing of N110RG.
According to the FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 10, it is recommended that if a pilot loses sight of another glider in a thermal and cannot establish position via radio contact, he should leave the thermal. Radio procedures during a soaring competition are not permitted.