A collision, photos of the surviving sailplane

http://www.varesenotizie.it/territor...a-a-cuvio.html

On December 23 there was a collision between 2 gliders in Italy. The
private ASW28 and the club's ASK21 were both soaring the ridge in a
mild northerly wind, in opposite directions. Excellent visibility, low
sun position.

There was no escape for the 28's pilot, age 65. His glider crashed
into the slope.
The P2 on the K21 tried to bailout, but could't open the canopy,
probably due to deformations of the cockpit.
P1 thus selected to try a landing on the near, well known off-field
landing area. He managed to land and both pilots were unharmed. The
glider was missing one aileron and the damage to the trailing edge was
also substantial.

As far as I know, the two-seater wasn't fitted with a flarm unit.
I also miss any information about the 28, it's impact point/s etc.

Aldo Cernezzi

On Sat, 27 Dec 2008 01:37:07 +0100, pigro wrote:


As far as I know, the two-seater wasn't fitted with a flarm unit.
I also miss any information about the 28, it's impact point/s etc.


Some further information: it seems that the reason for P2 (on the
ASK21) being unable to release the canopy is that one or both of the
rods securing the canopy were severely bent.

P1 found that it was possible to maintain level and straight flight by
keeping a speed of at least 140 km/h (around 75 kt).
Any attempt to steer towards the damaged wing resulted in a tendency
to overbank - invert. So P1 sticked only to right hand turns, and
successfully flew the glide and the landing circuit.

The piece of left wing that was separated from the glider, collided
with the tailplane (paint residue), but didn't luckily cause any
relevant damage.


In the hope that all this helps to prevent or manage such critical
situations,

Aldo Cernezzi

On Dec 27 2008, 4:23*pm, pigro wrote:
On Sat, 27 Dec 2008 01:37:07 +0100, pigro wrote:
As far as I know, the two-seater wasn't fitted with a flarm unit.
I also miss any information about the 28, it's impact point/s etc.

Some further information: it seems that the reason for P2 (on the
ASK21) being unable to release the canopy is that one or both of the
rods securing the canopy were severely bent.

P1 found that it was possible to maintain level and straight flight by
keeping a speed of at least 140 km/h (around 75 kt).
Any attempt to steer towards the damaged wing resulted in a tendency
to overbank - invert. So P1 sticked only to right hand turns, and
successfully flew the glide and the landing circuit.

The piece of left wing that was separated from the glider, collided
with the tailplane (paint residue), but didn't luckily cause any
relevant damage.

In the hope that all this helps to prevent or manage such critical
situations,

Aldo Cernezzi

UNBELIEVABLE!

I have always joked around with people saying "your so laid back, the
wing could rip off, and you would say...'so what?' "

It's amazing he landed it.