Two men were seriously injured after an air glider crashed into some trees just yards from a public footpath, according to an Air Accidents Investigation Branch report. The incident happened at 12pm on June 13 2021 at Usk Airfield in Monmouthshire.
The 60-year-old instructor and 84-year-old pilot on board each received serious injuries, while the glider was completely destroyed. The weather on the day was described as being "not favourable".
According to the report, the glider flew from the airfield for a few seconds before being turned left back towards it again, the aircraft was "sufficiently low that it was in danger of colliding with trees at the edge of the airfield".
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The instructor stated at this point he took control of the aircraft, attempting to turn further left between a gap in the trees. He reported the turn had tightened whilst at the same time the nose dropped. The glider then hit a tree before crashing to the ground near a footpath.
Following the crash, the gliding club has taken safety action from the British Gliding Association to improve its operation. This includes engagement with club members on safety, instructor refresher training and a review and changes to some airfield and flight operations.
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