Schempp Hirth DISCUS 2CT N27GG and Pipistrel TAURUS N984TP accident near Waller, Texas

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to see and avoid one another while maneuvering, which resulted in a mid-air collision.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of a Pipistrel Taurus glider reported that, while turning right and climbing in a thermal, he saw another glider at his 10 o’clock position about the same altitude. He quickly turned right to avoid the other glider, but the Pipistrel’s left wing impacted the other glider’s right wing, resulting in substantial damage to both.

The pilot flying the other glider, a Schempp-Hirth Discus-2CT, reported that he was in a right turn when he heard the impact. He stated that the Pipistrel was below him and he did not see it.

Both pilots landed their gliders without further incident.

Both glider pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the gliders that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA110 for the full record.