AAIB Report, G-CFST, Fatal accident, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
While soaring along the Cotswold Ridge, a Schleicher ASH 25 E (G-CFST) became too low and collided with the top of a line of trees while the pilot was attempting to start the glider鈥檚 sustainer engine and trying to find a place to land. 皇冠体育app glider struck the ground nose-first, 26 Aug 2020.
A glider, a Schleicher ASH 25 E (G-CFST) launched behind an aerotow tug from Aston Down Airfield with the intention of soaring along the Cotswold Ridge between Dursley and Broadway. 皇冠体育app soaring conditions proved challenging and the glider became too low as it followed the ridge to the east of Cheltenham, an area with few options for a successful field landing. 皇冠体育app glider collided with the top of a line of trees while the pilot was attempting to start the glider鈥檚 sustainer engine and trying to find a suitable place to land. After colliding with the trees, the glider struck the ground nose-first fatally injuring the pilot. 皇冠体育app rear seat passenger received minor injuries.
皇冠体育app investigation found that the accident occurred because the glider was flown over an area where the combination of the terrain and the glider鈥檚 altitude meant a successful field landing could not be assured. While the pilot had been flying under an informal age-related 鈥榙ual-only鈥� limitation imposed by his gliding club, the investigation was not able to determine to what degree age was a factor in the pilot鈥檚 decision making on the accident flight.
Following this accident, the British Gliding Association (BGA) began a consultation process with their member clubs to develop policy and guidance for the management of pilots who, for any reason, might benefit from flying with a safety pilot.
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