Gliders' fatal collision 'could have been prevented'

The pilots had been competing in an inter-club competition which saw them navigate around a course with designated turning points

A collision between two gliders at an airfield, which killed a 45-year-old man, could have been prevented with effective communication, an investigation has found.

Emergency services were called to Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield, near Brackley, Northamptonshire following reports two aircraft had collided as they came into land on Saturday 25 May, 2024.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the pilot of a Discus B glider died from a head injury after he was struck by the other craft's wingtip before his aircraft hit the ground upside down.

It concluded the accident could have been prevented through "timely and clear" radio communication by the pilots.

On the day of the incident the pilots of the aircrafts were taking part in an inter-club competition which saw them navigate a fixed course task with designated turning points.

On the day, the weather indicated it might be unsuitable for the activity, however, conditions improved and the courses were shortened as a precaution.

The pilots were required to report their position on the radio when downwind, however, neither pilot was heard to do - so and were unaware of each other's presence until they collided, the report concluded.

The investigation by the AAIB found the Discus B, being piloted by the 45-year-old, had impact damage across the craft.

The other glider - piloted by a 29-year-old - was left with damage to its wings, fuselage and tail, a broken canopy.

Its pilot suffered serious injuries in the crash.

On the day, multiple witnesses reported deficiencies in radio communication including not hearing any radio calls from the pilots involved in the accident which could have indicated their intentions.

The AAIB concluded effective communication was not established in the "critical moments" leading up to the collision.

It emphasised the importance of pilot training and "active encouragement" to use radios to alert other pilots to their position.