What happened
On June 12, 1965, a Ka-8B glider, registered as HB-720, was engaged in its first cross-country flight when the pilot was forced to terminate the mission. While operating near Renan, Bern, the pilot decided to perform an out-landing. The aircraft touched down on soft ground, sliding along the terrain before coming to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing and the resulting damage to the aircraft. The inquiry established that the pilot successfully controlled the aircraft during the landing maneuver, though the nature of the terrain contributed to the outcome.
Findings
- The pilot remained uninjured following the incident.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage, estimated at approximately 25 percent of its total value.
- The primary factor in the damage was the softness of the landing surface, which caused the glider to slide upon impact.