What happened
On July 30, 1960, a pilot launched a Mucha 100-A glider, registration HB-642, from Samedan airport for a mountain soaring flight. After taking off with a windward component, the pilot successfully reached an altitude of approximately 400 meters above ground level and utilized ridge lift along the Muottas Muragl slopes.
While flying near the Kulmhotel at an altitude of roughly 2,450 meters, the pilot attempted a left-hand turn toward the valley. During this maneuver, the aircraft's airspeed dropped below the minimum safe threshold, causing the left wing to drop. The glider entered a spin and struck the mountainside after completing nearly two revolutions. The impact occurred at approximately 14:02.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's flight history, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The pilot had relatively limited flight experience, with only 17 hours of total flight time and 60 flights recorded. The investigation also noted that the pilot had previously demonstrated poor decision-making during a flight in May 1960.
Regarding the aircraft, the Mucha 100-A was a modern high-performance glider that required specific handling skills. The investigation found no mechanical defects in HB-642. The weather at the time of the accident was characterized by 15-knot Malojawind from the southwest and clear visibility of 50 kilometers.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the undershooting of the minimum safe flying speed during low-altitude ridge soaring.
- The pilot lacked the necessary experience and training to manage the high-performance characteristics of the Mochua 100-A.
- The pilot had received insufficient instruction specifically regarding the handling of this particular aircraft type.
- The pilot's inability to recover from the initial stall and prevent the subsequent spin was attributed to a lack of advanced training.
Safety action
- The investigation concluded that the pilot's training and experience were insufficient for the requirements of a high-performance glider.