Motor Glider Crashes in Austrian Alps Following Loss of Control

Casualties unknown • "Auf der Mussen", in St. Jakob im Lesachtal, Kärnten, AT

A single-seat motor glider crashed into a snow-covered slope in Carinthia, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On April 3, 2016, a DG-400 motor glider departed from Nötsch airfield (LOKN) in Carinthia, Austria, at 12:01 UTC. The pilot initially flew in an easterly direction before changing course to the west near the Storfhöhe area. At approximately 13:15 UTC, the aircraft struck a 23-degree steep, snow-covered slope at "Auf der Mussen" near St. Jakob im Lesachtal at an altitude of 1,940 meters. The impact caused the destruction of the aircraft and resulted in one fatality.

Data from the aircraft's flight recorder and collision warning system indicated that the final flight phase involved a right-hand turn followed by a rapid loss of altitude. A witness, also a pilot, observed the glider in an unusual flight attitude—described as a climb followed by a steep turn—before seeing the aircraft resting in a snowfield with the cockpit canopy open.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight path, weather conditions, and the pilot's recent history. Investigators reconstructed the flight using data from the FLARM collision warning device and a Nano flight recorder. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's medical status, including the presence of diphenhydramine (from Neo-Emedyl anti-nausea tablets) in the bloodstream, and assessed the impact of local wind conditions and terrain.

Findings

  • The pilot experienced a loss of control during the flight.
  • The aircraft was flying at a very low altitude relative to the terrain.
  • The presence of gusty tailwinds near the ground likely increased the aircraft's groundspeed, making it harder for the pilot to recognize a decrease in airspeed.
  • The pilot's recent training level was considered low, as this was his first flight in 274 days.
  • The snow-covered terrain may have lacked sufficient visual contrast to assist in terrain recognition.
  • The pilot had recently recovered from a respiratory infection and had not eaten since breakfast on the day of the accident.
  • The aircraft's landing gear may have been left extended following takeoff, though the primary cause was the loss of control.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control during flight, likely precipitated by low altitude and gusty tailwinds near the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2016-04-03 DG-400 accident near "Auf der Mussen", in St. Jakob im Lesachtal, Kärnten, AT?

A single-seat motor glider crashed into a snow-covered slope in Carinthia, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-04-03 involved a DG-400, at "Auf der Mussen", in St. Jakob im Lesachtal, Kärnten, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control during flight, likely precipitated by low altitude and gusty tailwinds near the terrain.

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