Glider crash near Reno yesterday

Another tragic accident yesterday near Slide Mountain. Responders haven't reached the crash site as of this morning due to fire. There are conflicting reports from witnesses and unconfirmed info. Here's a link to the KOLO TV News report:

http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/P...?ref=hvper.com

In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

On Monday, September 3, 2018 at 12:01:25 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

On Monday, September 3, 2018 at 12:01:25 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

Motorglider or self-launch I suspect. One witness reported engine noise.

Wow.......just wow.

Checking sailplane tracker, there are no gliders indicated that go missing yesterday in that area. Yesterday was obviously a strong soaring day with good altitudes based on the great flights out of Truckee and Minden. So it makes no sense that a cross country sailplane would have any reason to be on the face of Slide Mountain early in the day and especially not doing loops there as suggested by the witness on the news show. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

On Monday, 3 September 2018 17:04:24 UTC-6, Steve Koerner wrote:
Checking sailplane tracker, there are no gliders indicated that go missing yesterday in that area. Yesterday was obviously a strong soaring day with good altitudes based on the great flights out of Truckee and Minden. So it makes no sense that a cross country sailplane would have any reason to be on the face of Slide Mountain early in the day and especially not doing loops there as suggested by the witness on the news show. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Steve and others, I received this from the Soar Truckee Yahoo Groups 45 minutes ago. Tragic. If it is in appropriate I will remove but it was sent via a public group

Dear TTSA-Soar Truckee Pilots and Family


It is with deep sorrow that I confirm the passing of Sergio Colacevich and Jim Alton in the crash of Sergio’s and Mike Mayo’s Duo Discus yesterday. We have no details of the how or why, only the result, which took place Saturday September 2nd near the base of Slide Mountain in rugged terrain.

We are maintaining constant contact with Amy Colacevich and Millie Alton (who is at the glider port). We will provide updates as they become known.

Please keep both our dear friends in your hearts and prayers.

Richard Pearl
Vice President, TTSA

On Monday, September 3, 2018 at 12:01:25 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

Witnesses say the initial fire began prior to the plane breaking into 2 pieces, so it brought fire with it to the side of Slide Mountain. One of the people on board was my brother-in-law. Pray for peace within the remaining families. Way too Soon.

On Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 2:47:53 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Monday, September 3, 2018 at 12:01:25 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

Witnesses say the initial fire began prior to the plane breaking into 2 pieces, so it brought fire with it to the side of Slide Mountain. One of the people on board was my brother-in-law. Pray for peace within the remaining families. Way too Soon.

If this turns out true this will be a key information. The witness I talked to (a paraglider pilot who was at the air the same time) did not see fire before impact. I didn't find reference to fire before impact in the news (only mention of explosion which could be the glider starting to break apart)..
My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Ramy

On Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 3:02:05 PM UTC-7, Ramy wrote:
On Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 2:47:53 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Monday, September 3, 2018 at 12:01:25 PM UTC-7, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
In general, how does a glider start a forest fire unless gas is onboard?


Sad either way with a wrecked aircraft.

Yep, the west is having a bad forestfire season......

Witnesses say the initial fire began prior to the plane breaking into 2 pieces, so it brought fire with it to the side of Slide Mountain. One of the people on board was my brother-in-law. Pray for peace within the remaining families. Way too Soon.

If this turns out true this will be a key information. The witness I talked to (a paraglider pilot who was at the air the same time) did not see fire before impact. I didn't find reference to fire before impact in the news (only mention of explosion which could be the glider starting to break apart).
My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Ramy

The fire began about 10 to 15 seconds after the fuselage hit the ground. It did not start in the air.