What happened
On April 30, 2012, a pilot was participating in a cross-country flight training course at the Unterwössen airfield. The flight began at 10:20 AM with a winch launch in a Rolladen Schneider LS6-C 18. Flight data logs indicate the pilot flew a route encompassing St. Johann i.T., Saalfelden, and Zell am See before returning toward the airfield.
During the late afternoon, wind conditions at the airfield began to deteriorate. Wind speeds increased from an average of 12 km/lar to 33 km/h, with gusts exceeding 40 km/h. Due to these worsening conditions and turbulence in the approach sector, the takeoff coordinator had advised pilots via radio to delay landings until the wind stabilized.
At approximately 6:00 PM, witnesses observed the glider on the final approach for runway 06, flying over the Ache river. During the maneuver, the aircraft entered a turn with an increasing bank angle, which caused the pilot to overshoot the approach centerline. The right wing struck a group of trees located approximately 260 meters before the threshold of runway 06, causing the LS6-C 18 to impact the ground. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU examined the flight data recorded by the onboard Clearnav navigation system and data logger. Investigators also reviewed meteorological data from the Bavarian Snow Protection Service station at Kampenwand and analyzed witness testimonies regarding the wind conditions and the aircraft's flight path. The investigation also included a physical examination of the wreckage, which revealed that the cockpit was destroyed up to the seatback, the fuselage tube was broken, and the left wing had been almost entirely severed.