DG-300 and Antares 18T collide over a quarry
The pilot of an Antares 18T was killed when it collided with a DG-300 at about 940 m over a quarry. Both had launched by aerotow from the same airfield that morning, and four other gliders were working 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 fell into the quarry and burned. Its warning device was out of operation, and 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.