What happened
On 5 April 2015, a mid-air collision occurred in uncontrolled airspace near Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire. The incident involved a Pioneer 300 (registration G-OPFA) and an electrically powered model glider (registration S037996).
The model glider was being operated from a club field at Fish Meadow. The pilot had launched the glider, which utilized a height limiter to cap its powered ascent at 100 m. While the glider was soaring in a thermal at an altitude of approximately 190 m (630 ft), the pilot observed the powered aircraft approaching from the north at a low level. The pilot was unable to perform any evasive maneuvers before the two aircraft collided over the River Severn.
The impact caused the left wing of the model glider to separate, leading to the destruction of the glider as it fell into a nearby field. Simultaneously, the pilot of the G-OPFA reported a loud impact, initially believing the aircraft had struck a seagull. The aircraft sustained a 10 mm puncture in the leading edge of the left wing and minor surface damage. The aircraft pilot subsequently landed the plane safely, and there were no injuries to the crew of the G-OPFA or the model glider pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight paths and visibility conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft was on a local flight from Gloucestershire Airport, flying between 900 and 1,500 ft amsl. While the aircraft pilot noted seeing two model aircraft flying well below the plane, they did not see the specific glider involved in the collision before the impact occurred. The investigation also reviewed the regulatory framework for model flying and the use of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) information.
Findings
- The collision took place in Class G airspace with visibility exceeding 10 km.
- The model glider pilot observed the aircraft but had insufficient time to avoid the collision.
- The aircraft pilot observed other model aircraft in the area but failed to see the specific glider involved in the impact.
- Cloud cover may have significantly hindered the pilot's ability to spot the model aircraft.
- The model glider pilot had published a NOTAM on an unofficial website, meaning the information was not visible to the wider aviation community via official CAA channels.