What happened
On August 20, 2000, a private motor glider, an ASH 26 E, registration D-KAWM, was conducting a recreational soaring flight near Samedan, Switzerland. The flight began with a winch launch from Samedan airfield, after which the pilot performed several circuits in the Muotas Muragl – Schafberg area. The weather conditions were favorable for gliding, characterized by clear skies and winds from 180 degrees at 7 to 8 knots, with gusts reaching up to 19 knots.
At approximately 13:14 local time, while flying at an altitude between 2,600 and 2,700 meters, the pilot initiated a left-hand turn near the entrance to Val Languard. During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a stall, which subsequently induced a right-hand spin. Although the pilot attempted to recover the aircraft near the terrain, the right wing struck the rising slope. The aircraft then veered to the right and impacted the mountainside in a flat attitude. The pilot sustained one serious injury involving multiple fractures and significant trauma.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's experience, and the environmental factors at the time of the accident. The ASH 26 E was found to be in good airworthiness condition; a visual inspection of the control linkages, pulleys, and bellcranks revealed no defects. The aircraft's weight and balance were within prescribed limits, and the engine and landing gear were in the retracted position at the time of impact.
The pilot was highly experienced, with over 744 total flight hours and significant experience in this specific aircraft type. There were no indications of medical impairment or health issues affecting the pilot's performance during the flight. Meteorological data confirmed the presence of gusty winds, consistent with the conditions reported at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a stall during a turn.
- The resulting loss of control led to a right-hand spin.
- The altitude available during the maneuver was insufficient to recover the aircraft and steer it away from the terrain.
- The right wing collided with the ascending slope, leading to the final impact.