Dangerous airprox: Duo Discus and F/A-18 turn to avoid in Class E airspace
A dangerous airprox occurred at about 1,830 m MSL in Class E airspace over the Fribourg region between a Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus on a local flight from Saanen (LSGK) and a Swiss Boeing F/A-18 Hornet operating out of Payerne (LSMP); there were no injuries and both aircraft landed safely. The glider was tracking northeast in straight flight; the Hornet was tracking east at constant altitude. Both aircraft executed evasive manoeuvres and passed without colliding. The encounter highlighted how converging traffic in uncontrolled Class E airspace can come close to collision when visual acquisition is late.
- Cruise in Class E: The Duo Discus glider was cruising under VFR on a northeasterly heading in Class E airspace in the Freiburg region.
- Converging with F/A-18: A military F/A-18 Hornet flying VFR on an easterly course at constant altitude converged with the glider’s flight path, creating a risk of collision.
- Mutual evasive turns: Both the glider crew and the F/A-18 pilot executed evasive maneuvers to avoid each other.
- Safe landing: The aircraft passed in close proximity without colliding, and the glider later landed safely with no injuries or damage.