Centrair C101A N101LV and Schempp-Hirth STANDARD CIRRUS N943SB accident near Sparks, Nevada

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB analysis

Both pilots reported that they were aware that other gliders were operating in the same area and that they were maneuvering over hilly terrain looking for convective lift when the collision occurred. The pilot of the Schempp-Hirth reported that he did not see the Centrair approaching head-on until it passed directly overhead. The pilot of the Centrair reported that he was in wings-level flight, descending through 7,000 feet above mean sea level, when he suddenly saw the Schempp-Hirth appear beneath the nose of his glider, slightly to his right, heading in the opposite direction. Neither pilot had time to react, and the left wingtip of the Schempp-Hirth collided with the right wingtip of the Centrair. Both pilots were able to return to the launch gliderport and land safely.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA250 for the full record.