Introduction
On 25 May 2024, at approximately 1400 hours UTC, two gliders—a Discus B (G-DJMD) and a Standard Cirrus (G-DCTB)—collided at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield in Northamptonshire. The pilot of G-DJMD suffered fatal injuries, while the pilot of G-DCTB sustained serious injuries. Both aircraft were on private flights participating in a local gliding competition.
History of the Flight
The gliders were competing in an inter-club event. G-DJMD, operated by a 45-year-old pilot with 129 hours total flying experience (43 on type), was in the Intermediate class with a course of 156 km (shortened to 117 km due to weather). G-DCTB, flown by a 29-year-old pilot with 104 hours total (4 on type), competed in the Novice class on a route of 118 km (shortened to 81 km).
G-DJMD launched at 1236 hrs, and G-DCTB at 1319 hrs. Both completed their tasks and returned to the airfield. The competition required pilots to report their position on the radio when downwind and on final, but neither pilot was heard to make such calls. The absence of these transmissions meant they remained unaware of each other's presence until the collision.
Collision
The gliders collided at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 feet above the intersection of Runway 06 and the disused Runway 09 threshold. On impact, G-DJMD pitched up rapidly, rolled inverted, and struck the ground inverted. G-DCTB came to rest upright, entangled with G-DJMD. Witnesses observed the gliders converging, with G-DCTB making a shallow right turn towards Runway 09, conflicting with G-DJMD's approach.
Investigation Findings
The AAIB investigation identified the following causal factor: the pilots did not effectively communicate their location or intentions on the radio, and the unalerted 'see-and-avoid' principle was insufficient for either to be aware of the other's presence in time to take avoiding action when joining the circuit and on final approach.
Additional findings included that an aeronautical radio station licensed to provide an Air Ground Communication Service must provide that service during published hours unless otherwise promulgated. Also, glider pilots must hold a Flight Radiotelephony Operator Licence when communicating with an air traffic control or flight information unit or an Air Ground Communication Service.
Safety Actions
In response to the accident, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reminded radio licensees of their obligation to provide the approved service and ensured that approvals under the Air Navigation Order accurately reflect responsibilities. The British Gliding Association (BGA) promulgated information on avoiding midair collisions. The respective gliding clubs clarified their requirements for radio usage by pilots.