What happened
On March 2, 2025, at approximately 12:15 UTC, a Jonker JS-MD 1C glider, registration D-KAVY, crashed in the mountainous region of Monte Garzirola, near Como, Italy. The aircraft was engaged in a recreational flight departing from the Alzate Brianza airfield.
During the flight, the pilot was observed by another glider pilot flying at a relatively low altitude. The witness reported seeing fragmented cloud formations in the area and attempted to communicate via radio to suggest a nearby thermal, but received no response from the D-KAVY crew. The wreckage was later discovered in difficult-to-access, steep terrain at an altitude of approximately 1,714 meters. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the wreckage, flight data from the onboard Power Flarm and LX 9070 instruments, and meteorological reports. Analysis of the wreckage showed extensive damage, particularly to the cockpit and the lower frontal section, suggesting a medium-angle impact with the wings nearly level. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight history, noting that while experienced, the pilot had not flown a glider for approximately five months prior to the accident.
Flight data analysis indicated that in the final 90 seconds of flight, the aircraft maintained a relatively straight trajectory. While the last recorded airspeed was estimated at approximately 68 km/h—slightly below the stall speed for the observed flap configuration—investigators believe the aircraft likely maintained aerodynamic lift until the moment of impact. The investigation also considered the possibility of sudden micro-meteorological phenomena or sudden loss of visibility due to the lack of contrast between cloud fragments and the snow-covered ground.
Findings
- The aircraft was properly maintained, and there were no signs of mechanical failure or control surface malfunction.
- The engine was in the retracted position at the time of the accident.
- Meteorological conditions were generally suitable for VFR flight, though the presence of cloud fragments may have reduced the visibility of the terrain.
- The pilot had not flown a glider for a significant period, which may have impacted the ability to manage low-altitude maneuvers in complex terrain.
- The exact cause of the accident could not be definitively determined, though investigators identified several possible contributing factors, including controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to poor visual contrast, sudden downdrafts, or a transient medical event.