Meteor aircraft sustains damage during landing attempt at Oberwinterthur

Casualties unknown • Winterthur Flugplatz (LSPH), ZH, CH

A Gloster Meteor FL 55 CM, registration HB-EAE, struck the ground with its left wing during a landing maneuver at Oberwinterthur.

What happened

On June 12, 1966, a Gloster Meteor FL 55 CM, registered as HB-EAE, was involved in an accident at the Oberwinterthur airfield. The aircraft had been performing a flight involving a tow operation. Following the completion of a tight turn, the pilot attempted a short landing. During the process of banking into the landing direction, the left wing of the aircraft made contact with the ground.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the flight maneuvers performed immediately prior to the impact. Investigators established that the aircraft was transitioning from a towing maneuver out of a tight turn when the wing strike occurred. The contact resulted in significant damage to the airframe.

Probable cause

The left wing of the aircraft struck the ground while the pilot was banking toward the landing direction following a towing maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-06-12 METEOR SPA, COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE FL.55CM accident near Winterthur Flugplatz (LSPH), ZH, CH?

A Gloster Meteor FL 55 CM, registration HB-EAE, struck the ground with its left wing during a landing maneuver at Oberwinterthur.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-06-12 involved a METEOR SPA, COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE FL.55CM, registration HB-EAE, at Winterthur Flugplatz (LSPH), ZH, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left wing of the aircraft struck the ground while the pilot was banking toward the landing direction following a towing maneuver.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/332.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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