What happened
On 9 August 2005, during the final day of the Junior World Gliding Championships at Husbands Bosworth Airfield, Leicestershire, an LS1F Glider, registration BGA4665, was completing a race approach. As the pilot approached the finish line, the aircraft passed a group of spectators positioned on vehicles just outside the airfield perimeter.
While the pilot was focused on the landing and avoiding other competitors, the left wing of the glider struck a professional photographer who was standing on the roof of a vehicle. The impact caused the photographer to fall onto a nearby car, sustaining injuries that later proved fatal. Following the collision, the glider experienced a sudden loss of control, banking sharply and pitching down before making an uncontrolled landing in a nearby wheat field. The pilot escaped the wreckage uninjured, though the aircraft sustained significant damage, including a separated left aileron and damage to the right winglet.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight path, the aircraft's condition, and the conduct of the competition. Witnesses at the scene noted that several gliders had been flying at very low altitudes during their approaches to the finish line. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's technique for navigating obstacles, such as telegraph wires, which required flying at low heights to maintain visibility against the skyline.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the coordination of emergency services. It was noted that during the medical treatment of the injured photographer, several gliders continued to fly at low altitudes, which created a hazardous environment for the air ambulance and police helicopter attending the scene. The investigation also identified discrepancies in radio communications, as the competition's specific frequency was not included in the official NOTAM.
Findings
- The fatal collision was caused by the glider flying at an unsafe height relative to the spectators near the airfield boundary.
- There were deficiencies in the training and oversight regarding the safe conduct of race finishes.
- The low sun position and the need to clear obstacles like wires contributed to the pilot's low-altitude flight profile.
- Inconsistencies in the publication of radio frequencies in NOTAMs created risks for emergency responders.
Safety action
- The British Gliding Association was advised to seek CAA approval for the wording of competition rules regarding minimum finish heights.
- Recommendations were made to ensure BGA compliance with CAA regulations regarding the inclusion of all relevant frequencies in aeronautical notifications.
- The International Gliding Commission was encouraged to implement better coaching techniques for the safe management of race finishes.