RAFAEL ARCOS ()
writes:

On August 11th 2006 two gliders collided over the ridges of Canoa
Beach on the cost of Ecuador South America. Canoa Beach is a popular hang
gliding and paragliding ridge soaring heaven that stretches over 25 miles of
soarable terrain. The accident took place between two H4 equivalent pilots
flying a WW U2 160 and a Moyes XS.


The pilot on the Moyes had been previously called to attention for his
unexpected 'radical maneuvers' usually above the take of ramp. (the most crowed
flying area as well). On this occasion the Moyes pilot was flying right above
and ahead of the second pilot when he started a radical diving turn to the
right. He passed to the right of the lower pilot and completed a 270 degree turn
impacting at high speed the U2 on its left wing.


The collision occurred at 290 mts asl but only 170 mts above the take off ramp
and the forest jungle downwind below. The U2's left leading edge and cross bar
broke immediately after the crash. The glider went into a tumble. Then both
wings closed over the keel and started spiraling down . The pilot reacted
quickly by throwing his emergency parachute. The chute opening effectively
happened just few seconds before the glider impacted the forest ground.


The Moyes pilot kept flying for another 10 seconds albeit a broken front leading
edge and a badly damage lateral down tube. When he realized the precarious
condition of the glider he threw the emergency parachute landing softly in the
forest below.


Both pilots walked away with no scratches. Another instance where showmanship
ends in an accident!