Gerhard and Astrid had flown a little too far south in the strong northwest wind (50 km/h) and noticed on the return flight that the thermals were breaking down. So the decision, still at higher altitude, the engine out and climb with engine on final approach altitude, for about 78 km final approach. After about 2 minutes, however, the engine then went on strike. So engine in and land in the pan, which had been selected as alternate before. So there was still enough time to radio the intention. After the landing Bitterwasser had no more contact with the two. After a short time, however, fortunately an "OK, we're fine." message via the SPOT emergency and tracking system. That reassured for the time being.
The two, quite correctly, took their SPOT with them when they tried to walk to a farm three kilometers away. This could be tracked in the flight office in Bitterwasser.
Unfortunately, the farm was locked and no one was there. So they could not make a phone call. So they went back to the plane and waited there for help.
In Bitterwasser a team was sent to pick them up and bring them back to Bitterwasser. At 00:30, everyone was back in Bitterwasser. However, the plane was still outside.
The next morning a team with a universal trailer drove off to recover the airplane. In the evening they were back as well. The following day, they set up and started troubleshooting the engine.
The Bitterwasser Flying Lodge was the main sponsor of the Junior World Gliding Championships, where from August 2 to 17, 2026, around 80 pilots from 22 nations competed for the titles in the Standard and Club classes. The grand prize for the JWGC winners was a one-week stay at the lodge, including travel and an airplane.
Largely unnoticed by the public, the 5th Red Bull Global Aerial Performance Camp 2026 took place in Bitterwasser, Namibia, from April 21, 2026, to April 30, 2026.
A few videos and pictures on this page offer a glimpse of the athletes and their performances.