Investigation: Pilot died in mid-air glider crash over Melton Mowbray

An investigation into a fatal accident involving two gliders near Melton Mowbray's found damage to one aircraft's tail caused it to spiral out of control.

One pilot lost his life in the incident last year after colliding with another glider mid-air.

The report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said:

"During a gliding competition flight, both gliders entered a thermal just to the south of Melton Mowbray at a similar height."

"Although the gliders were initially on opposite sides of the thermal, changes in the angle of bank of both gliders brought their flight paths into conflict and they collided.

"The pilot of G-CLXG was able to land the glider safely and was uninjured but the tail of G-KADS was severed in the collision and the glider descended out of control. The pilot was fatally injured.

"The British Gliding Association (BGA) took action to raise awareness regarding the increased risk of midair collisions in gliding competitions."

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