What happened
On April 22, 2000, a Scheibe SF25 motor glider and an LS4-B glider were returning to the Hornberg glider airfield following sightseeing flights. Both aircraft were approaching runway 18 from opposite directions. The glider pilot had reported their position at Furlepass on the left downwind leg, while the motor glider pilot reported on the right downwind leg. Both communications were acknowledged by the flight controller.
As the aircraft entered the final approach, the glider maintained a higher altitude than the motor glider. Due to the motor glider's higher approach speed, it closed the distance from behind. Because of the relative flight paths, the glider pilot did not see the motor glider. The flight controller, noticing the conflict, issued multiple radio instructions to the motor glider pilot, commanding a correction to the right and an immediate go-around. These instructions went unanswered for several seconds.
While attempting a late go-around at an altitude of approximately 6 to 8 meters above the ground, the motor glider's vertical stabilizer struck the right wing of the glider. The impact tore the stabilizer from the motor glider and bent it downward. The motor glider hit the ground hard, veered left, and slid into nearby trees, resulting in the destruction of the motor glider. The glider sustained minor damage to its right wing but was able to land safely on the airfield. There were no injuries to either pilot.
The investigation
The BFU investigation confirmed that both pilots were properly licensed and possessed sufficient experience on their respective aircraft types. Radio equipment in the motor glider was found to be fully functional, and the pilot confirmed receiving the controller's instructions. Witnesses observed the motor glider increasing speed near the runway touchdown zone before the collision occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the approach of both aircraft went unnoticed by both pilots during the final approach.
- The motor glider pilot reacted too late to the flight controller's instructions to execute an evasive maneuver.