Accident
On April 9, 1965, a Schleicher Ka-8 glider, registration HB-765, was involved in an accident during a landing approach at Bleienbach airfield (BE), Switzerland. The pilot, while on final approach, encountered a rain shower. Due to the precipitation, the pilot misjudged the aircraft's height above the ground. As a result, the glider touched down prematurely in terrain unsuitable for landing, short of the designated landing area.
Aircraft and Damage
The glider, a Ka-8 model, was substantially damaged in the accident. The extent of the damage was estimated at 20-25% of the aircraft's value. Despite the severity of the impact, the pilot sustained no injuries.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation by the Swiss Federal Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation concluded that the accident occurred because the pilot misjudged his altitude during the landing approach while flying through a rain shower. No other factors were identified. The report was approved on June 22, 1965, and circulated on July 12/21, 1965.