Nimbus 4M strikes rising ground on a lee slope in weak thermal conditions

A pilot was killed and the Nimbus 4M destroyed on a cross-country from Lienz, against a wooded slope above Kötschach-Mauthen. The visiting group nearly stayed on the ground in the weak conditions; he launched first, found nothing at the Hochstein and turned for the Gailbergsattel. He was last heard on the radio at 10:05 and last seen near the ski area at about 1,500 m MSL. At about 10:45 the glider struck trees and rising ground on the east slope at about 1,440 m MSL. The beacon was aboard but switched off, and the wreck was not found until the third day.

1. Easter week flying out of Lienz: A group of visiting pilots had come to Lienz shortly before Easter. Thermal development was weak that morning and they nearly decided against flying at all before changing their minds.
2. Nothing workable at the Hochstein: The pilot launched first, at 09:15, with no route agreed between them. He found no usable lift at the Hochstein, radioed that to his two friends and turned east for the Gailbergsattel.
3. East along the ridges in weak lift: At 10:05 he reported himself at the Gailbergsattel; that was his last radio call. He was seen a little later near the Kötschach ski area at about 1,500 m.
4. Impact on an east-facing slope: At about 10:45 the glider struck trees and rising ground at about 1,440 m MSL. The pilot was killed and the aircraft destroyed; no emergency call had been made.
5. Three days to find the wreck: The beacon was aboard but not switched on. He was only missed when the others landed in the afternoon; two days of searching failed, and a helicopter crew found the wreck on the third.