1967 Glider Accident Near Neuendorf, Switzerland (HB-640)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 18 August 1967, a pilot launched a Ka-6 CE Rhönsegler glider, registration HB-640, from Birrfeld at 1233 local time. The flight was a cross-country task to Courtelary and back to the launch site, conducted as part of a national gliding competition. The pilot reached the goal without difficulty. During the return leg along the first Jura ridge, lift deteriorated as the afternoon progressed. The pilot encountered a first critical phase near Gensingen around 1645, holding at approximately 300 m above ground before gaining some height again. The pilot's memory of the flight ended at this point. The final phase was reconstructed from witness accounts and the altimeter recording. Around 1700, the pilot reached about 600 m above ground, after which lift ceased and the glider entered a steady descent of approximately 0.67 m/s. The pilot turned left 180 degrees about 500 m southwest of Egerkingen station to attempt a landing between the railway line and the motorway. On the opposite leg, height reduced from 80–100 m to about 30 m above ground. After crossing a connecting road, the pilot initiated another left turn for the final approach. As the glider was heading approximately southeast, it suddenly pitched forward into a steep dive of about 45 degrees. The glider struck the ground first with the left wing, then overturned, coming to rest on its back about 65 m from the railway line at approximately 1715. The pilot sustained serious injuries, the glider was destroyed, and no ground damage occurred.