Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2b | N61XC

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the accident pilot did descend directly into the flight path of another glider while at around 5,000 feet MSL, and did cause the midair collision with ASW 24 N94CG. The pilot of the other Schleicher glider N94CG stated that there were four gliders flying in a thermal, and the accident pilot did descend from above and its left wing contacted the nose section of his glider. The left wing of the accident glider did shear off and then fell to the ground. The Schempp-Hirth accident aircraft came to rest in a wooded area about 5 miles north of 1F2. The right wing and empennage were located near the impact crater. The glider was fractured into several pieces. The left wing was not located.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to use vigilant see and avoid procedures when flying in close proximity to other similar type aircraft, all orbiting in the same basic area and searching for lift.