What happened
On June 12, 2006, at approximately 13:02 local time, a pilot initiated a flight in an LS8-A glider via aero-tow as part of a competitive flight task. The intended mission was a triangular course spanning roughly 300 km. After approximately two hours and ten minutes of flight time, the glider was flying at an altitude of less and 200 meters above ground level while searching for thermals in the vicinity of Eichigt.
During this low-altitude maneuvering, the pilot attempted to approach an outlanding site. During the approach, the glider collided with the roof of a residential building. The nose of the fuselage pierced through the wooden roof structure of a house extension, causing the aircraft to become lodged in the structure. The impact resulted in heavy damage to the forward fuselage and the wings, as well as damage to the roof of the building.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and the flight path. A flight logger carried on board was successfully retrieved and analyzed, providing data used to reconstruct the flight path. Physical examination of the LS8-A revealed no evidence of mechanical or technical malfunctions prior to the impact. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was carrying approximately 100 liters of water.
Findings
- The pilot sustained serious injuries during the collision.
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with a building structure during a low-altitude landing attempt.
- Meteorological conditions at the time were visual flight rules (VFR) with easterly winds of approximately 5 to 8 knots, with no significant weather anomalies reported.