What happened
On July 9, 2016, at approximately 12:10 local time, a private self-launching glider, a Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2cM with registration HB-2317, was performing a takeoff from Birrfeld Airfield (LSZF). The pilot initiated the self-launch, reaching a liftoff speed of roughly 80 km/h. Shortly after leaving the ground, the aircraft encountered a wind gust while flying at a very low altitude. This sudden disturbance caused the left wing to make contact with the ground, subsequently forcing the fuselage to impact the paved runway surface.
Upon impact, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to spin counter-clockwise around its vertical axis. The glider then slid sideways across the adjacent grass runway, an excursion that resulted in the fuselage breaking. The pilot managed to reduce engine power and shut down the motor once the aircraft came to a complete stop. The pilot escaped the wreckage with light injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events immediately following liftoff. Investigators examined the impact on the paved runway and the subsequent slide on the grass area. The assessment confirmed that the aircraft's structural integrity was compromised, specifically noting a broken fuselage, a damaged elevator, a deformed landing gear, and scratches on the underside of the fuselage. The investigation established that the primary trigger for the loss of control was the atmospheric disturbance encountered during the initial climb phase.