Steven Evans
3 Nov 2021 · Coroner Caroline Saunders · Gwent
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of radio communication between ground crew and pilots
“problems with [the deceased]'s glider were observed before the glider was launched however the system of communication did not alert either the tug plane operator or [the deceased] to the problems prior to his launch”
2. absence of mandatory radio requirement
“the CAA do not mandate the use of radios in the relevant aircraft and by the ground crew and whilst this was previously recommended by the BGA it was not usual practice at South Wales Gliding Club until after [the deceased]'s death”