Schempp-Hirth VENTUS-2B N7470C and Alexander Schleicher Gmbh & Co ASW 27-18 N8829A accident near Batesville, Texas

Probable cause

Both glider pilots’ inability to see and avoid the other resulting in a mid-air collision.

Both glider pilots' inability to see and avoid the other resulting in a mid-air collision.

NTSB analysis

While participating in a soaring competition, a Schempp-Hirth glider and an Alexander Schleicher glider collided while in flight. The

Schempp-Hirth glider was outbound from the last way point for the competition course and the Alexander Schleicher glider was inbound to this same point. The courses inbound and outbound from this way point are near reciprocals of one another. According to the pilot of the Alexander Schleicher glider and the damage to both gliders, the empennage and tailwheel of the Schempp-Hirth glider impacted the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the Alexander Schleicher glider. The speed, altitude, and course of each glider would not have allowed enough time for either pilot to see the other glider and react with enough time to avoid a collision. An examination of the airframe and related systems of both gliders revealed no anomalies.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA459 for the full record.