What happened
On June 19, 2005, a 19-year-old pilot was conducting a training flight at the Riedlingen glider airfield. The pilot, who held a glider pilot license but had only seven minutes of flight experience in this specific aircraft type, attempted a winch launch at 15:26 local time to familiarize himself with the Glasflügel Club Libelle 205.
During the initial climb, the glider began drifting to the left. The launch director noted that the winch tow was too slow and instructed the winch operator to increase the speed. However, at an altitude of approximately 50 meters, the glider tilted sharply to the left and impacted the ground. The impact was nearly vertical, occurring approximately 200 meters from the takeoff point. The accident resulted in the fatal injury of the pilot and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the flight controls of the Glasfluster Club Libelle 205. The investigation found no evidence of technical malfunctions in the aircraft's control systems. The wreckage showed significant damage, including a destroyed cockpit area, broken wings, and torn ailerons, while the tail section remained relatively intact.
Investigators also examined the winch equipment and found no technical defects. However, a definitive analysis regarding a potential failure of the tow rope was not possible, as an agricultural vehicle had accidentally run over the rope on a nearby meadow following the accident, causing the cable to break multiple times.