Ground accident involving Jodel D-11 at Wangen-Lachen

Casualties unknown • Wangen-Lachen Flugplatz (LSPV), SZ, CH

A Jodel D-11 aircraft sustained damage after sliding into a ditch during engine startup preparations at Wangen-Lachen airfield.

What happened

On July 22, 1965, a Jodel D-11, registration HB-SUY, was involved in a ground incident at the Wangen-Lachen airfield in the Canton of Schwyz. The pilot was preparing the aircraft for departure and was performing solo ground operations. While the engine was running, the pilot removed the wheel chocks. Immediately following the removal of the chocks, the aircraft began to move unexpectedly, eventually sliding into a nearby ditch. The incident resulted in damage to the airframe.

The investigation

An investigation was conducted by the Swiss Federal Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission. The inquiry focused on the sequence of events during the pre-flight phase, specifically examining the aircraft's movement following the removal of the wheel chocks while the engine was operational. The investigation concluded that the aircraft's motion was triggered by the removal of the chocks during engine run-up/startup procedures.

Probable cause

The aircraft moved unexpectedly and entered a ditch because the wheel chocks were removed while the engine was running, failing to prevent unintended ground movement.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-07-22 WALTER UETZ, FLUGZEUGBAU JODEL D 11 accident near Wangen-Lachen Flugplatz (LSPV), SZ, CH?

A Jodel D-11 aircraft sustained damage after sliding into a ditch during engine startup preparations at Wangen-Lachen airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-07-22 involved a WALTER UETZ, FLUGZEUGBAU JODEL D 11, registration HB-SUY, at Wangen-Lachen Flugplatz (LSPV), SZ, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft moved unexpectedly and entered a ditch because the wheel chocks were removed while the engine was running, failing to prevent unintended ground movement.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/273.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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