LS-6 pilot loses control after likely losing consciousness while ridge soaring
The pilot of an LS-6 was fatally injured and the glider destroyed when it dived into a forested slope near Quinto after the pilot most likely lost consciousness. Winch-launched at Ambri, the glider worked figure-eights up the northern ridge in strong, turbulent north wind to about 2,000 m. Radio and sightings then ceased; some 25 minutes in, it hit the trees at a 70–80° nose-down angle. No technical defect was found. The pilot had flown fasting and severely dehydrated, with almost no recent practice — 19 minutes in eight months, far less than declared. Impaired consciousness, demanding weather and poor currency were cited.
- Winch launch climb: The pilot winch-launched from Ambri RWY 28 and climbed to about 550 m above the airfield before proceeding to soar along the northern ridge.
- Poor recent currency: In the eight and a half months before the accident the pilot had flown only a single 19‑minute check flight, despite having reported much higher recent experience.
- Inadequate hydration/nutrition: The pilot was in a state of fasting and advanced dehydration; unopened food and drink were found in the cockpit.
- Turbulent northerly winds: The flight took place in strong, turbulent northerly winds in a demanding mountain soaring environment, increasing pilot workload and control demands.
- Pilot loses consciousness: While soaring along the ridge after climbing to about 2,000 m AMSL, the pilot likely experienced impaired consciousness or brief loss of consciousness due to dehydration and inadequate nutrition.
- Loss of control: With the pilot’s consciousness impaired, control of the glider was lost and the aircraft entered a steep, uncontrolled descent toward the terrain.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted a forested slope at an estimated 70–80° nose-down attitude, destroying the aircraft and fatally injuring the pilot.