Kollision in der Luft zwischen LS 4 und SF 25 während des Anflugs auf Hornberg

Am 22. April 2000 kollidierten ein Segelflugzeug LS 4 und ein Motorsegler SF 25 während ihres Anflugs auf den Flugplatz Hornberg. Beide Flugzeuge kehrten von lokalen Flügen zurück und wollten auf der Landebahn 18 landen. Die LS 4 flog voraus und leicht über der SF 25, als die Kollision nur wenige Meter über dem Boden erfolgte. Die SF 25 wurde bei der Landung zerstört, nachdem sie in Bäume abdriftete, während die LS 4 nur geringfügige Schäden erlitt, aber sicher landete. Es wurden keine Verletzungen gemeldet.

1. Approach to Hornberg: The LS 4 glider returned from a local flight and joined the landing pattern to runway 18 at Hornberg ahead of and slightly higher than the SF 25 motor glider.
2. Converging flight paths: Both aircraft flew from opposite directions into the same final approach path to runway 18, with their descent rates adjusted so that both would reach a similar touchdown point.
3. Lack of mutual sighting: Neither pilot had visual contact with the other aircraft in the final approach, and due to his position the glider pilot could not see the motor glider behind and below.
4. Unnoticed close proximity: In the end of the final approach, the LS 4 descended from above into the flight path of the faster SF 25 approaching from behind, bringing the two aircraft into critical proximity without either pilot recognizing the conflict.
5. Late go-around attempt: After multiple radio instructions from the flight supervisor to turn right and go around, the motor glider pilot initiated a go-around only at about 6–8 m above ground beneath the glider.
6. Collision near touchdown: As the SF 25 accelerated and passed under the LS 4 about 15 m above ground, its fin struck the glider’s right wing trailing edge, tearing off the fin and bending the rudder.
7. Mid-air collision: Following the collision the SF 25 became uncontrollable, landed hard, veered into adjacent trees and was destroyed, while the LS 4, only lightly damaged, remained controllable and landed normally on the airfield.