What happened
On May 15, 1965, a Ka-8 glider, registered as HB-616, was performing a sustained flight at the Schänis airfield. As the pilot attempted to return to the airfield, the aircraft encountered freshening winds. During the final approach, the pilot's management of these changing wind conditions resulted in an excessive loss of altitude. Consequently, the aircraft failed to reach the airfield and struck an obstacle on the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the approach phase and the impact of meteorological conditions on the pilot's decision-making. The inquiry established that the pilot did not sufficiently compensate for the increasing wind strength, which directly led to the flight path deviation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot failed to adequately account for freshening winds during the approach.
- This lack of compensation led to an excessive reduction in height.
- The aircraft was unable to complete the approach to the airfield, resulting in the collision with an obstacle.
- The pilot sustained no injuries during the event.
- The Ka-8 aircraft suffered significant damage, estimated at 30 percent of its total value.