Mid-air collision between two gliders near Samedan results in two fatalities

What happened

On July 11, 1966, at approximately 11:50 local time, a mid-air collision occurred near the Schafberg mountain in the Bernina region. Two gliders, an L-Spatz with registration D-1295 and a Ka-7 with registration D-4051, were operating in the updraft areas above the valley. The pilot of the Ka-7 was flying along the slope toward the valley center when he executed a sudden left turn. During this maneuver, the Ka-7 struck the D-1295 from behind. The impact caused severe structural damage to both aircraft, including the separation of the D-12/95 left wing. Both gliders entered steep dives from an altitude of approximately 80 to 100 meters above the terrain, resulting in the total destruction of both aircraft. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight paths, the technical condition of the aircraft, and the experience levels of the pilots. Flight recorders (variometers/altimeters) indicated that the Ka-7 had lost approximately 200 meters of altitude roughly eight minutes before the collision. The investigation also reviewed the local flight regulations for Samedan, which emphasize the necessity of vigilant airspace monitoring and require specific training for pilots transitioning to alpine environments. While there was initial suspicion regarding the health of the Ka-7 pilot due to evidence of nosebleeds found at the scene, a medical autopsy concluded that the cause of death was traumatic, resulting from the impact and subsequent crash.

Findings

• The primary cause of the accident was inadequate airspace monitoring by the pilot of the Ka-7.
• The sudden leftward turn of the Ka-7 placed it directly into the flight path of the D-1295.
• The pilot of the Ka-7 was relatively inexperienced in high-alpine flying conditions, having only recently begun operating in this environment.
• The low altitude of the collision (80-100 meters) left insufficient time for the pilot of the Ka-7 to deploy a parachute or for the pilot of the D-1295 to recover from the structural failure.