A British glider pilot has tragically lost his life after his aircraft lost altitude and crashed into woodland during an international flying competition in northern Italy. Jon Gatfield, 68, crashed on the slopes of Monte Grem above the mountain town of Gorno in the Val del Riso area of Bergamo province, Lombardy, on May 25. The incident occurred during the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix, which had commenced earlier that day from Varese near the Swiss border.
Details of the Incident
According to competition organisers, Jon was flying alone in his motor glider when it suddenly began losing height at around 3.30pm for reasons that remain under investigation. Another pilot participating in the race reportedly observed the aircraft descending abnormally and promptly raised the alarm. Rescue teams, including firefighters, mountain rescue crews and a helicopter emergency service, reached the crash site within minutes, but unfortunately, Jon could not be saved.
Background of the Pilot
The experienced British pilot had been competing alongside 15 other glider pilots from across Europe in this international event. Reports indicate that he had won the opening race of the competition the previous day after completing a 205-kilometre route in just over two hours. The second stage of the contest had begun from the Adele Orsi Aero Club in Varese at around 1pm, with pilots expected to complete a 250-kilometre course through the mountains before returning to the airfield.
Witness Accounts and Investigation
Witnesses hiking near Monte Grem said they initially watched several gliders circling above the mountains before realising something had gone wrong. One hiker stated: 'I saw it fall and heard the crash.' Investigators are now examining whether the crash may have been caused by a medical emergency, a technical problem or pilot error. Carabinieri officers from Clusone have opened an investigation under the supervision of prosecutor Giulia Angeleri. Italy's National Agency for Flight Safety also announced it would send inspectors to the scene.
Competition Suspended
Competition organisers suspended the remaining races following the tragedy. In a statement, they expressed: 'It is with profound sadness that the FAI Sailplane Grand Prix organisation announces the tragic loss of British pilot Jon Gatfield during the opening of the 13th series in Varese.' The statement added: 'Despite the rapid and coordinated response, we lost a deeply respected friend and a devoted pilot.' Organisers also described Jon as a well-known figure in the international gliding community who had taken part in numerous European and world competitions over the years.
