Nimbus 2C crash in Val di Gorduno during regional competition
On April 10, 1981, a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 2C crashed in Val di Gorduno, Switzerland, during a regional gliding competition. The pilot encountered a strong downdraft while navigating the mountainous terrain, leading to a collision with the hillside. The glider was destroyed, and the pilot was seriously injured but survived. Rescue operations were delayed, and the pilot was not found until the following day. The report suggests that insufficient altitude margin during ridge flying contributed to the accident.
- Competition cruise: During a regional competition task, the pilot departed Locarno by aerotow with 150 liters of water ballast, climbed in thermals, and then cruised toward the start line area for multiple start attempts.
- Multiple start attempts: After his first start was declared invalid and the second not clearly confirmed by radio, the pilot decided to gain more altitude and cross the start line a third time, increasing time pressure and mental stress.
- Low ridge altitude: While proceeding into the Val di Gorduno with 20 m wingspan and 150 liters of water ballast, the glider was flown close above the slope with an insufficient altitude margin for safe ridge flying.
- Strong downdraft encountered: In the valley the glider suddenly entered a very strong descending air mass that rapidly reduced its height above the hillside.
- Unable to outclimb sink: Due to the low height above terrain and reduced maneuverability from ballast, the pilot was unable to escape the downdraft or regain sufficient clearance from the slope.
- Crash - serious injury: The Nimbus 2C struck the mountainside and slid about 200 meters down the slope, destroying the glider and seriously injuring the pilot.