What happened
On August 11, 1980, a pilot participating in a gliding camp departed from the Münster airfield in a K 8 glider, registration HB-622, via aero-tow. The pilot intended to complete a 300 km triangular cross-country flight spanning Münster, Crap Sogn Gion, and the Sanetsch Pass. While initial soaring conditions were favorable, the pilot was unable to locate further thermals as he progressed toward the Oberalp Pass region.
Unable to continue the flight, the pilot opted for an outlanding in a field located approximately 1.5 km southwest of Andermatt. As the pilot approached the landing site from the northeast, he realized a strong tailwind would result in an overshoot. To correct this, he attempted to reverse his approach direction. While executing a sharp left turn at an altitude of only 15 to 20 meters above the ground at low airspeed, the aircraft stalled and struck the terrain. The impact resulted in one serious injury and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot held a valid glider license but lacked experience in performing outlandings or long-distance cross-country flights. Meteorological data confirmed typical valley winds were present in the area. Technical examination of the K 8 revealed no mechanical defects, and the aircraft's weight and balance were within limits. Analysis of the wreckage and impact patterns indicated the aircraft had stalled to the left with spoilers deployed, striking the ground with the left wingtip and the nose of the fuselage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot undershooting the minimum flying speed during the steep landing turn.
- The pilot's limited flight experience contributed to the inability to manage the maneuver safely.
- There was a lack of systematic training for cross-country flight performance.
- The pilot lacked sufficient visual cues to accurately determine the wind conditions at ground level.