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1967 Rhönlerche HB-608 accident at Bern/Belpmoos

Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH

On April 2, 1967, an ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU RHÖNLERCHE II (registration HB-608) was involved in an aviation accident near Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot, while attempting to avoid an off-field landing, flew into the mast of a 15 m high power line while trying to fly over three electrical lines. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 2 April 1967, Rhönlerche glider HB-608 struck a 15 m power-line mast near Bern/Belpmoos while the pilot attempted to avoid an off-field landing. The pilot was uninjured; the glider was heavily damaged.

Overview and investigation status The Swiss Federal Accident Investigation Commission issued its final report, No. 1967/8 373, concerning the accident involving the Rhönlerche glider registered HB-608. The incident occurred on 2 April 1967 at the Bern/Belpmoos airfield. The commission approved the investigation report dated 10 April 1967, which had been transmitted to the commission on 13 April 1967. The final decision was circulated on 8 and 19 May 1967. ## Circumstances of the accident According to the source, the pilot was described as having limited experience and had previously interrupted flying activity for a longer period. In an attempt to avoid an off-field landing, the pilot attempted to fly over three electrical lines by pitching down and then pulling up. The maneuver was made about 0.5 km before the beginning of the runway. During the attempt, the glider struck the mast of the first power line, which was 15 m high. ## Outcome The pilot remained uninjured. The glider sustained significant damage. The source also lists similar cases: HB-752 on 11 August 1963 near Gstaad/BE (final report No. 131), HB-459 on 7 June 1961 near Neuhaus/ZG (final report No. 177), and HB-223 on 12 June 1965 near Eschert/BE (final report No. 277).

Probable cause

The pilot, while attempting to avoid an off-field landing, flew into the mast of a 15 m high power line while trying to fly over three electrical lines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Apr 1967 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU RHÖNLERCHE II accident near Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH?

On 2 April 1967, Rhönlerche glider HB-608 struck a 15 m power-line mast near Bern/Belpmoos while the pilot attempted to avoid an off-field landing. The pilot was uninjured; the glider was heavily damaged.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Apr 1967 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU RHÖNLERCHE II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Apr 1967 involved an ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU RHÖNLERCHE II, registration HB-608, at Bern Flughafen (LSZB), BE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot, while attempting to avoid an off-field landing, flew into the mast of a 15 m high power line while trying to fly over three electrical lines.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/373.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.