AAIB Report: DG Aviation LS8-e, G-CMMG

During a flight in a UK National Gliding Competition, the pilot of G-CMMG was unable to maintain sufficient height to make it back to Lasham Airfield. The flight path at the end of the five-hour flight did not fit with the experience and normal practices of the pilot and resulted in the glider striking the ground with a high angle of bank. The pilot was seriously injured.

Due to communication issues and a lack of coordination, the emergency services were not informed of the accident for a significant period, during which time the pilot’s condition deteriorated. He was subsequently airlifted to hospital where he was treated for multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.