Glider strikes a mountain slope while ridge soaring
A pilot was killed when a glider flew into a mountain slope while ridge soaring in fine weather; the glider was destroyed. After a normal aerotow and 25 minutes climbing along the sunlit west slopes, the recorded track ended shortly after a routine turn from the slope, and the glider struck the mountainside close to its last recorded height. Investigators found no technical fault and good conditions, and could not determine why the collision happened. An autopsy found a mild pre-existing heart condition that could have caused a sudden malaise, so pilot incapacitation in the final moments could not be ruled out.
- Ridge soaring the west slopes: After an aerotow from Sion, the glider soared the sunlit west-facing slopes near Nendaz, climbing steadily for about 25 minutes.
- Track ends after a routine turn: A normal turn away from the slope was recorded, then the FLARM track ended; the final seconds were not captured.
- Possible malaise in the final phase: An autopsy later found a mild pre-existing heart condition; a malaise in the last moments could not be excluded, though the cause stayed undetermined.
- Strikes the mountainside; pilot killed: The glider struck the west slope of Bec de la Montau near its last recorded height; the pilot was killed and the glider destroyed.