Occurrence
On 26 July 2019, a Cessna 182N aircraft was conducting tow operations at the Black Diamond/Cu Nim Gliding Club airport (CEH2). A Schleicher ASK 21 dual-seat glider, also operating at CEH2, was in tow with an instructor and student on board. The Cessna departed Runway 07 with the glider in tow and climbed to approximately 2000 feet above the aerodrome, at which point the glider released from the tow plane.
Collision
A few minutes after release, the glider and the airplane collided approximately 0.5 nautical miles southwest of the threshold of Runway 07. During the collision, the vertical and horizontal stabilizers separated from the glider. Following the collision, the glider entered a dive from which it did not recover. The tow plane sustained damage to its propeller and right wing. The pilot of the airplane managed to perform a successful forced landing with idle power onto Runway 14.
Injuries and Damage
The student and instructor in the glider were both fatally injured. The tow pilot was not injured. The glider suffered separation of its vertical and horizontal stabilizers. The tow plane sustained damage to its propeller and right wing.
Investigation
This occurrence was classified as a Class 4 investigation by the investigating authority. Class 4 investigations are limited in scope, and while final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Such investigations are generally completed within 220 days.