DG-300 and Antares 18T collide over a quarry
The pilot of an Antares 18T was killed and the glider fell into a quarry and burned after colliding with a DG-300 at about 940 m over the slopes near Hohenems. Both had launched by aerotow from the same airfield, and four other gliders were in the area. The DG-300 pilot was rolling into a left turn towards the slope when he saw an aircraft below and to his right, with no warning from his collision warning device. Something struck his left wing; he stabilised the glider and landed at the airfield 2.2 km away, unhurt. The Antares' warning device was out of operation; whether it had failed or was never switched on could not be established.
- Both gliders launch from the same field: The Antares 18T was aerotowed at about 12:42 local and released at 1500 m; the DG-300 followed at 13:40 and released at 1800 m.
- Four other gliders in the same area: By 14:28 the DG-300 was approaching the quarry on about 250°. Four other gliders were working the area at various heights.
- Antares flying without a working device: The Antares's collision warning device was out of operation. The DG-300's was recording and transmitting, and had been showing other traffic.
- DG-300 turns left towards the slope: At about 940 m the DG-300 pilot rolled into a left turn towards the slope and saw an aircraft below and to his right. No warning sounded.
- Left wing struck: The DG-300 pilot felt something touch his left wing. He stabilised the glider and turned for the airfield 2.2 km away.
- Antares falls into the quarry: The Antares went down immediately into the quarry below and burned. The DG-300 landed safely at the airfield.