What happened
On the evening of 3 July 1998, an ASK 21 Glider, registration BGA No FWQ, was performing an air experience flight at The Long Mynd in Shropshire. The flight was part of a group event organized by a local gliding club. After completing four previous flights that evening, the pilot commenced his fifth and final flight, intending to land on the 'Vega Strip' near the clubhouse.
During the final approach, the pilot observed two individuals on the ground but judged them to be in a safe position relative to the landing area. As the glider descended, the left wingtip overhung a gravel track running parallel to the landing strip. The aircraft struck one of the two women walking on the track, causing one fatality and leaving the other uninjured. The pilot, initially believing the impact was caused by a stone or landing gear issue, only realized the collision had occurred after exiting the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation established that the two women were walking along a gravel track that is not a public right of any way and lacks hazard signage. While the women had been previously advised to stay clear of the active landing area, they were using a path they believed to be safe. The investigation found that the track surface was slightly lower than the landing strip, allowing the overhanging wing of the ASK 21 Glider to make contact with the pedestrians.
It was also noted that the pilot's prescription glasses had been affected by sunlight while flying above the clouds earlier in the flight, though they had returned to normal transparency before the landing. The passenger in the front seat had noticed her friends on the track but did not alert the pilot until the aircraft was already on the ground.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision between the glider's wing and a pedestrian walking on an unposted track.
- The individuals involved were not on a recognized public right of way and therefore were not protected by existing airfield hazard signage.
- The pilot perceived the pedestrians to be in a non-dangerous position during the landing scan.
- The use of the 'Vega Strip' for the final landing placed the aircraft's flight path in close proximity to the unauthorized track.
Safety action
Following the accident, the club implemented several new safety measures, including prohibiting the use of the 'Vega Strip' except in emergencies, requiring all visitors to be escorted to the launch point, and providing safety briefing sheets to all guests. The British Gliding Association (BGA) was also advised to publicize the accident to ensure all UK clubs maintain adequate policies for a safe ground environment.