What happened
On August 17, 2002, a Cessna F182P was conducting a skydiving operation near Calw-Muckberg. After completing the deployment of five skydivers, the pilot was cleared by Stuttgart radar to descend and was instructed to report reaching 5,000 ft MSL. During the descent, the pilot observed a motor glider approaching from the 2-to-3 o'clock position. Despite an attempt to maneuver downward to avoid the aircraft, a collision occurred.
Simultaneously, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus CT motor glider was performing thermalling maneuvers in the area. Following the impact, the Cessna became uncontrollable, forcing the pilot to bail out via parachute. The motor glider entered a steep, spinning descent. Both aircraft crashed into a forested area approximately 800 meters apart. The pilot of the motor glider sustained fatal injuries, while the pilot of the Cessna survived the incident.
The investigation
The BFU examined radar data from Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH, which tracked the flight path of the Cessna but could not identify the motor glider as a radar target. Physical examination of the wreckage revealed that the collision likely occurred between the fuselage of the motor glider and the right wing of the Cessna. No technical defects were found in either aircraft.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological conditions, noting that while visibility was excellent (20–50 km), the presence of cumulus clouds may have intermittently obscured the view of the aircraft from certain angles. Additionally, while the Cessna pilot was not wearing his prescribed corrective eyewear at the time, medical experts determined this did not impact his far-vision capabilities or the ability to detect the conflict.