Over the week-end I learned the sad news that an old friend from my glider club in Germany had a fatal crash while doing what he liked best – soaring.
He had a non survivable crash in the French Alps with his LS-8 glider.
It makes me sad that every year some of the pilots among us have to pay the ultimative price. I’m not necessarily a safety fanatic, but when it comes to flying, a basic safety consciousness at all times is required to survive this beautiful sport.
I couldn’t imagine living without soaring although news like these go straight to my heart. It’s so upsetting, disturbing and makes me sad. The sadness stays over a long time – at times it has taken the fun out of flying for me for multiple seasons. 
When an accident like this happens, the beauty and innocence of this sport is taken away by force. The sadness over the loss of a friend dominates and the joy of flying is subdued.

Fare well Ingemar, you’ve been an inspiration in my life! I’ll miss you.