At the South Side, a newly passed off P2 pilot was flying the eastbound ridge soaring pattern followed by another pilot also flying eastbound but against the pattern and close to the ridge. Two other pilots flying westbound turned left to avoid the pilot flying eastbound close to the ridge. The P2 pilot felt cut off by the left turning westbound pilots and made a hard turn to the right followed by an attempt to immediately regain the ridge by flying between the other eastbound pilot and the ridge resulting in the mid-air collision.
The following steps could have avoided this collision.
1. When the green flags are up do your best to fly the pattern.
2. Use common sense and be flexible.
3. If you see someone not flying the pattern, learn the colors of the glider and stay clear of it.
4. When westbound, avoid trouble by keeping right or top-landing or side-hill landing and not by flying through opposing traffic.
5. When eastbound, avoid trouble by keeping right and flying away from the ridge. Keep right to avoid others cutting you off from these options (read number 2).
6. If you leave the pattern to avoid trouble, or for any reason, be very careful reentering; land out and get a ride up if you cannot safely reenter.
7. Look around constantly and look as far ahead as possible to anticipate trouble. If it feels crowded to you, go land until traffic lessens.
8. Clear your turns.
Get competent instruction to lean to fly.
Study and learn how to fly in various circumstances.
Mentally review potential patterns before launching. If you are in doubt ask an
instructor or competent pilot
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