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1959 Grenchen Chipmunk Towing Accident (HB-TUD)

Grenchen Flugplatz (LSZG), SO, CH

On March 28, 1959, a DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY LIMITED DHC-1 MK.22 (registration HB-TUD) was involved in an aviation accident near Grenchen Flugplatz (LSZG), SO, CH. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The source indicates the aircraft was operating near its minimum speed, and the pilot released the tow rope in response to a leftward pitch, which subsequently led to a right spin and impact with the ground. 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 March 29, 1959, Swiss Chipmunk HB-TUD crashed into the ground near Grenchen after the tow pilot released the glider HB-590 during a training tow. The pilot was killed.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959, a training tow was conducted at Grenchen airfield using the single-engine, two-seat de Havilland Chipmunk Mk. 22, registered HB-TUD, and the Rhönlerche glider HB-590. The aircraft, built in 1950, was operated by the Motorfluggruppe Grenchen. The pilot, a German national born in 1927, held valid licenses for glider and private pilot operations, including specific towing privileges. The glider pilot, born in 1939, was also appropriately qualified. The investigation was completed as an administrative inquiry by the Swiss Federal Air Office, concluding on January 20, 1960.

Probable cause

The source indicates the aircraft was operating near its minimum speed, and the pilot released the tow rope in response to a leftward pitch, which subsequently led to a right spin and impact with the ground.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Mar 1959 DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY LIMITED DHC-1 MK.22 accident near Grenchen Flugplatz (LSZG), SO, CH?

On March 29, 1959, Swiss Chipmunk HB-TUD crashed into the ground near Grenchen after the tow pilot released the glider HB-590 during a training tow. The pilot was killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Mar 1959 DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY LIMITED DHC-1 MK.22 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Mar 1959 involved a DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT COMPANY LIMITED DHC-1 MK.22, registration HB-TUD, at Grenchen Flugplatz (LSZG), SO, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The source indicates the aircraft was operating near its minimum speed, and the pilot released the tow rope in response to a leftward pitch, which subsequently led to a right spin and impact with the ground.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/3.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.