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

What happened

On June 25, 1972, at approximately 14:06, two gliders, HB-906 and HB-738, collided in mid-air roughly 2.5 km southwest of the Schupfart airfield. Both aircraft were Schleicher K8B models performing training flights.

Prior to the collision, both aircraft had been flying in separate right-hand turns at a similar altitude within a thermal area. The pilot of HB-7/38 reported seeing the HB-906 suddenly level out from its turn and fly directly toward the left side of his aircraft. In an attempt to avoid the impact, the pilot of HB-738 tightened his turn, but the collision occurred nonetheless.

Following the impact, the HB-738 sustained damage to its left wingtip and tail section, but the pilot was able to successfully deploy a parachute and land safely. The HB-906 entered a steep spiral dive and struck a wooded slope on its back. The pilot of the HB-906 was killed in the accident.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage, flight data from barographs, and trace evidence. Spectroscopic analysis of paint fragments confirmed that the canopy of HB-906 had struck the left aileron of HB-738, and that the right wing of HB-906 had also struck the tail section of HB-738.

Medical examinations of the deceased pilot showed no evidence of alcohol or drug impairment. While the autopsy suggested the pilot may have been severely injured or rendered unconscious during the initial impact, investigators also noted that the cockpit harness was open and the canopy had been jettisoned, suggesting an attempt to exit the aircraft was made.

Findings

• The primary cause of the accident was the pilot of HB-906 flying into the rear of the HB-738.
• The pilot of HB-906 may have failed to maintain adequate airspace surveillance, potentially due to being blinded by the sun or having the other aircraft in a blind spot.
• Both aircraft were found to be in airworthy condition with no pre-existing technical defects.
• The pilots involved were properly licensed and possessed sufficient flight experience for the operations being conducted.