What happened
On July 10, 2008, at approximately 18:15 local time, an LS8-18 glider, registration HB-3238, crashed into the western slope of the Bec de la Montau in the municipality of Nendaz, Switzerland. The aircraft was being operated for private VFR purposes by the Vol à voile Club Valais.
The flight began at 17:45 at the Sion airfield, where the glider was towed into the air by a powered aircraft. After a 270-degree right turn, the pilot released the towline near Veysonnable at an altitude of 1,370 meters. For the next 25 minutes, the pilot performed various maneuvers, including several left-hand spirals, while gaining altitude along the mountain slopes. The flight path, reconstructed via FLARM data, shows the aircraft was climbing steadily until a right-hand turn was initiated. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the terrain at an altitude of approximately 2,780 meters. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and analyzed flight data from the aircraft's FLARM system. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within prescribed limits, and no mechanical defects were found in the flight controls, including the ailerons, elevators, or landing gear. The meteorological conditions at the time were excellent, with high visibility and clear skies.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed a pre-existing, minor cardiovascular pathology. While toxicology reports were negative for drugs or alcohol, the autopsy suggested that this underlying condition could have potentially caused a medical emergency during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with the terrain.
- The specific reason for the impact could not be definitively determined.
- A medical emergency, such as a sudden loss of consciousness due to the pilot's cardiovascular condition, cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor.