TWO AIRCRAFT OF THE AEROBATIC TEAM GERA COLLIDE MID-AIR
Two pilots from the German aerobatic team Gera have died following a collision that took place over the team’s home base of Gera-Leumnitz on Saturday evening.
The two Zlín 526AF Akrobat Specials collided shortly after 6 p.m on Saturday (24 September) during a routine aerobatic training flight.
The collision took place over the Gera-Leumnitz Airfield (EDAJ) in the German state of Thuringia, the team’s base.
Two Zlin Z-526 AFS of the aerobatic team Gera
Photo: Kunstflugstaffel Gera
The two aircraft in question were registered as D-EWQC and D-EWQL, two Zlin Z-526 AFS Akrobat Czech sports planes that were practising aerobatics in the local area.
The team was performing the so-called "mirror flight" when the aircraft collided and became conjoined together, making them uncontrollable causing both of the aircraft to hit the ground at the same time. Both highly experienced aerobatic pilots from Kunstflugstaffl, Michael Storeck (42) and Dieter Geipel (73) were killed.
Aircraft accident expert Norman Kretschmer said that:
"So far there is no evidence of a technical defect. We have secured traces of deformation on the wings that indicate a massive collision.”
Michael Storeck (42) and Dieter Geipel (73) the two pilots that were killed in the accident have been flying together for 16 years
Photo: Fliegerclub Gera
The two men have been performing formation flying together for 16 years, and in 2019 they won the Vintage Aerobatic World Championships at Gera.
One of the pilots from the team said:
"I've been touring the country with this squadron for 30 years, I know all the pilots. The bond has become so close that I now have the feeling that someone has snatched a piece of my family away from me.”
The Aviation Club Gera has also released a statement following the collision saying:
We mourn our flight mates Micha Storek and Dieter Geipel, who died in a tragic accident yesterday. They weren't just flight mates, they were friends, family, flight instructors, a team and above all unique. Their loss leaves a huge void. We thank you for your dedication, commitment and every single moment we have shared with you. It was an honor for us to know you and fly with you. You will be greatly missed.
Your aviation friends and family of the Gera e.V. aviation club
The aerobatic team Gera have been performing solo and formation aerobatics all across Germany and abroad. In 2013 the team performed in Poland at the Piknik Szybowcowy in Leszno where besides solo and formation aerobatics they also demonstrated Balloon Popping with 3 of their aircraft as well as the looping jump where the parachutist was dropped from the top of a loop from a Zlin 226T with the canopy removed.