Mid-air collision between two gliders results in one fatality near Unterklien

Casualties unknown • über dem Steinbruch bei Unterklien, Gemeindegebiet Hohenems, Vorarlberg, AT

A collision between a DG-300 and an Antares 18T glider in Vorarlberg, Austria, led to the fatal crash of the Antares 18T.

What happened

On May 18, 2015, at approximately 12:30 UTC, a mid-air collision occurred between two gliders over a quarry near Unterklien, Austria. The first aircraft, a DG-300 ELAN ACRO, had departed from Hohenems-Dornbirn earlier that day and was performing thermalling maneuvers at an altitude of approximately 940 meters.

The second aircraft, an Antares 18T, had also departed from the same airfield. While the pilot of the DG-300 was executing a left turn toward a slope, they suddenly observed another aircraft appearing below them to the right. The aircraft collided, with the Antares 18T striking the left wing of the DG-300.

Following the impact, the pilot of the DG-300 was able to stabilize the aircraft and perform an emergency landing at Hohenems-Dornbirn without injury. However, the Antares 18T plunged into the quarry below, resulting in one fatality.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the failure to detect the approaching aircraft in time, exacerbated by the fact that the Antares 18T's collision avoidance system was not functioning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-05-18 DG-300 und Antares 18T accident near über dem Steinbruch bei Unterklien, Gemeindegebiet Hohenems, Vorarlberg, AT?

A collision between a DG-300 and an Antares 18T glider in Vorarlberg, Austria, led to the fatal crash of the Antares 18T.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-05-18 involved a DG-300 und Antares 18T, at über dem Steinbruch bei Unterklien, Gemeindegebiet Hohenems, Vorarlberg, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the failure to detect the approaching aircraft in time, exacerbated by the fact that the Antares 18T's collision avoidance system was not functioning.

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