What happened
On June 10, 2018, a Mistral-C glider, registration D-4956, crashed into a mountain ridge in the Le Piaie area near Monte Serva, Belluno. The aircraft had departed from Belluno airport at 10:35 UTC for a visual flight rules (VFR) recreational flight. After approximately two hours of flight, the glider struck a steep terrain feature at an altitude of roughly 1,850 meters.
The aircraft was located the following day by a medical emergency helicopter. The pilot, a 59-year-old male, was the sole occupant and died from multiple injuries sustained in the impact. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, meteorological data, and flight logs from the aircraft's FLARM system. The investigation noted that the glider was not equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Analysis of the wreckage showed that the flight control systems remained intact, and the impact was characterized by moderate energy. A linear furrow in the ground suggested the left wingtip may have grazed the terrain shortly before the final collision.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological reports from nearby stations and webcam footage. While general conditions were favorable, evidence suggested that the area around Monte Serva may have been partially obscured by clouds, potentially reducing visibility. The investigation also examined the pilot's medical certification, which included a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was inadequate separation from the terrain maintained by the pilot during the final phase of flight.
- A sudden reduction in visibility due to cloud cover in the area may have contributed to the loss of terrain clearance.
- The presence of local turbulence could have further complicated the flight path.
- The use of sunglasses, even if prescription, may have hindered the pilot's ability to maintain visual separation from obstacles during periods of low visibility.