Astir G102 and Mucha Standard mid-air collision during approach at Vinon airfield

On October 13, 1983, an Astir G102 and a Mucha Standard collided mid-air during their final approach to Vinon airfield, France. Both gliders were descending in the designated area when they reported their positions. The Astir G102, flying slightly higher, collided with the Mucha Standard. The Mucha Standard crashed into a vineyard, resulting in minor injuries to its pilot, while the Astir G102 landed with minimal damage. The collision was attributed to inadequate airspace monitoring by both pilots and a lack of effective radio communication.

1. Circuit approach: After training flights, both gliders entered the Vinon altitude-loss area and then joined the landing circuit for runway 25.
2. In-trail circuit entries: HB-635 entered the downwind leg and reported 'vent arrière', followed shortly by F-CEXA entering and reporting downwind behind it, placing the two gliders in close sequence on the same circuit.
3. Limited lookout and comms: Neither pilot announced base leg, both were focused on their own approaches, the Astir pilot had limited experience on type and was concentrating on precise flying, and radio use was not effectively employed despite both aircraft being equipped.
4. Conflict on base-to-final: While HB-635 completed its final turn and aligned on final, F-CEXA flew its base leg between HB-635 and the runway at a slightly higher altitude, creating an unrecognized convergence path.
5. Ineffective radio warning: Seeing the developing conflict, the starter on the ground radioed F-CEXA to ask if it had visual contact with the other glider, but received no reply and neither pilot altered their flight path in time.
6. Mid-air impact: During its final turn to align with the runway, the higher F-CEXA struck HB-635 from above, its wheel breaking the canopy and damaging the right wing while its fin severed HB-635’s fin mid-height.
7. Crash - minor injury: HB-635 became uncontrollable and crashed into a nearby vineyard causing minor injury to its pilot and destruction of the glider, while F-CEXA, with limited tail damage, landed back at Vinon with only minor damage.