What happened
On March 26, 2003, a DG-800S glider, registration HB-3324, crashed into a steep, snow-covered slope near Corno Mara in the Valtellina region of Italy. The flight, which began earlier that morning at Alzate Brianza airport, had involved a long-distance soaring route through the Alps, including visits to various peaks such as Monte Generoso and the Monte Rosa massif.
During the final phase of the flight, the pilot was attempting to exploit thermal currents on the southwest flank of Corno Mara. Flight data from an onboard logger indicates that the pilot was performing 360-degree turns to maintain altitude. While executing these maneuvers, the pilot encountered intense turbulence or a strong downdraft. This sudden atmospheric disturbance caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, leading to a collision with the terrain at an altitude of approximately 2,507 meters. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's flight experience, and the flight path recorded by the onboard GPS logger. The investigation found that the aircraft was in good airworthy condition, with all maintenance and documentation up to date. The pilot was a licensed glider pilot with significant experience in powered aircraft, though he had only flown a glider once in the five months preceding the accident.
Investigators also analyzed the flight dynamics and the environmental conditions. While general weather conditions in the region were good, the specific topography of the Corno Mara slope was identified as a source of potential turbulence. The investigation also noted that the pilot's survival was aided by the fact that he possessed a mobile phone with signal coverage, which allowed him to communicate his location to rescuers, though he lacked an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) or adequate cold-weather gear.