LS 8-18 strikes rocky west flank at 3,000 m during competition

The pilot of an LS 8-18 was killed on the rocky west flank of Chlein Seehorn at about 2,790 m MSL and the aircraft was destroyed. The pilot held 238 hours total and 27 on type, with limited alpine experience and no prior competition flying. Towed from Schänis on a Junior Swiss Championship AAT task, he turned back from Engadin and approached Chlein Seehorn again. Trying to climb on the west flank at about 3,000 m MSL, the glider struck the slope and slid down to scree below. The cause could not be determined; limited alpine experience and the unfamiliar competition setting may have played a role.

1. Aerotow Schänis 12:14 LT: The pilot launched the LS 8-18 on aerotow from Schänis on the first day of the Junior Swiss Championship, releasing near Mattstock fourteen minutes later.
2. Limited alpine experience: The pilot's alpine flying experience was limited; most of his flying had been from Amlikon toward southern Germany, with only occasional flights into the Alps.
3. Unfamiliar competition setting: This was the pilot's first gliding competition; the unfamiliar setting, combined with his limited alpine experience, may have made risk assessment in the mountains harder.
4. Defensive turn back from Engadin: After climbing at Älpeltispitz and continuing toward the Engadin, the pilot turned back toward the Prättigau, then approached Chlein Seehorn twice while looking for height.
5. Climb attempt on west flank: The pilot tried to gain height on the steep, rocky west flank of Chlein Seehorn at roughly 3,000 m, close to where the wreckage was later found.
6. Strikes west flank, slides to scree: The glider struck the rocky west flank, slid down the steep face and came to rest in a snow and scree field below; the pilot died on impact.