What happened
On August 15, 2012, a single-seat Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus glider performed a winch launch from runway 16 at the Ottenberg glider airfield. The launch proceeded normally until the tow rope released at an altitude of approximately 120 meters. Following the release, the aircraft initially entered a brief steep dive to regain airspeed before leveling off into straight flight.
After several seconds of level flight, the glider began a right-hand turn at a constant bank angle. During this maneuver, the bank angle increased significantly, causing the aircraft to roll onto its right wing. This led to a vertical spiral dive involving approximately 360 degrees of rotation around the longitudinal axis. Within five seconds of the onset of the rotation, the glider struck trees and impacted the ground. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The BFU examined the wreckage and reviewed witness video footage of the flight sequence. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's structure, including the cockpit shell, tail unit, and wings, had suffered severe damage due to the high-impact force of the crash. The landing gear and flaps were found in the extended position. The investigation found no evidence of technical malfunctions or mechanical failures in the aircraft. There were also no findings regarding medical impairments affecting the pilot.