Mid-air collision between two LS 7-WL gliders in Aegenetal, Switzerland
On August 1, 2000, two Rolladen-Schneider LS 7-WL gliders collided mid-air in the Aegenetal region of Switzerland. Both pilots were participating in an alpine gliding camp and were flying under visual flight rules. The collision occurred because the pilots did not see each other, possibly due to reduced concentration after long flights at high altitude. Both gliders were destroyed, but the pilots ejected safely using parachutes, sustaining serious injuries. Weather conditions were favorable with good visibility at the time of the incident.
- Aerotow cross-country: After aerotow departure from Münster, Pilot 1 conducted a long high-altitude cross-country soaring flight in excellent weather conditions.
- Prolonged high-altitude flight: Pilot 1 had been flying for over six hours at relatively high altitude, leading to decreasing concentration over time.
- Low visual conspicuity: Both white LS7 gliders, with slender profiles against sky and clouds and nearly head-on opposing tracks, were inherently difficult to see.
- Sun position glare: The sun’s position to the left of glider 1 and right of glider 2 may have further hindered visual acquisition of the opposing aircraft.
- Opposing flight paths: While cruising straight and level near Aegenetal, glider 1 on a northwesterly track and glider 2 on a southerly track converged toward each other at a high closing speed.
- Late sighting, no avoidance: Pilot 1 did not see the slightly lower glider 2 at all and Pilot 2 perceived glider 1 only a fraction of a second before impact, leaving no time for effective evasive action.
- Mid-air collision: Glider 1’s right wing struck glider 2’s tailplane over the middle of the valley, both gliders broke up and crashed, and both pilots bailed out by parachute and sustained serious injuries.