LS6 flies into a snow-covered slope after losing visual references in cloud

An experienced pilot was killed when an LS6 flew level into a snow-covered mountainside near Trin after losing the visual references needed for visual flight; the glider was destroyed. On a soaring flight in worsening weather — near-overcast cloud, snow showers and flat light over snow — the glider struck the slope at about 90 km/h in level flight, the pilot most likely unable to make out the rising ground ahead. The probable cause was the loss of visual references. The investigation also found the pilot had flown under medication not compatible with flying and could not exclude that this, with cardiac changes, played a part.

1. Soaring flight in worsening weather: An experienced pilot was soaring near the mountains as the weather worsened — cloud thickening and local snow showers.
2. Cloud, snow showers, flat light: Near-overcast cloud, snow showers and flat light over snow degraded the visual references needed for visual flight.
3. Flown under incompatible medication: The pilot was found to have flown under the effect of medication not compatible with flying; its role could not be excluded.
4. Snow-covered slope not seen: Turning toward rising ground, the pilot most likely could no longer make out the snow-covered slope ahead.
5. Level flight into the slope: The glider flew into the snow-covered mountainside in level flight at about 90 km/h; it was destroyed and the pilot killed.