What happened
On May 27, 2006, at approximately 19:00 local time, a collision occurred between two gliders during the landing phase at Santa Cilia Aerodrome in Jaca, Spain. The first aircraft, a Glasser Dirks DG 500 M motorglider with registration D-KIDL, landed on the asphalt runway 27R. The second aircraft, a Grob Twin Astir III with registration EC-JPE, landed on the adjacent grass strip.
As the D-KIDL completed its landing roll, the pilot turned the aircraft sharply to the left to exit the asphalt runway. This maneuver brought the motorglider directly into the path of the EC-JPE, which was still on its landing roll on the grass. The left wing of the EC-SDPE struck the tail section of the D-KIDL, severing it and damaging the VHF antenna and associated cabling. There were no injuries to the two occupants of either aircraft, though the D-KIDL sustained major damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight paths, radio communications, and aerodrome procedures. The pilot of the D-KIDL stated they were unfamiliar with the aerodrome's specific procedures and believed the asphalt runway was the primary landing surface. The pilot also reported making position reports in English, though the runway supervisor and other nearby pilots did not acknowledge or hear these transmissions.
Investigators also reviewed the aerodrome's layout, noting that while the asphalt runway is primarily for powered aircraft, the grass strip between the asphalt and gravel runways is frequently used by gliders. The investigation noted that the pilot of the EC-JPE was surprised by the presence of the unidentified D-KIDL on the asphalt runway and had to maneuver to avoid the collision, but was limited by parked gliders on the gravel runway.
Findings
- The pilot of the D-KIDL was unfamiliar with the specific landing and taxiing procedures at Santa Cilia Aerodrome.
- The pilot of the D-KIDL abruptly changed course from the asphalt runway toward the grass area during the landing roll.
- There was a lack of effective communication; while the D-KIDL pilot claimed to have broadcast intentions in English, the runway supervisor and other aircraft did not receive or understand the information.
- The presence of parked aircraft on the adjacent gravel runway restricted the maneuvering options for the EC-JPE pilot, preventing an avoidance maneuver.