What happened
On April 7, 1972, at approximately 14:43 CET, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight as part of a Stage II training course at the Amlikon airfield. The flight, performed in a Rhönlerche II, registration HB-615, began with a winch launch toward runway 28. Following the standard procedure, the pilot released from the winch at 380 meters, executed a right turn, and entered a circuit pattern.
During the final approach, the pilot deployed full air brakes and initiated a right-hand sideslip. Fearing the aircraft was landing too long and with excessive speed, the pilot attempted to level the aircraft just above the ground. This maneuver caused the glider to yaw sharply to the right, crossing the Thur river at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the landing direction at a speed of 80 km/h. The pilot then attempted to land on the path along the right bank of the river. During the rollout, the left wing struck a bush, causing the aircraft to veer further to the left. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained heavy damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot held a valid student pilot license and had a total flight time of 7 hours and 47 minutes, with 2 hours and 11 minutes recorded within the preceding 90 days. No medical issues or health impairments were identified. The Rhönlerche II was found to be airworthy and properly registered, with no pre-existing mechanical defects detected. Weather conditions were reported as 5/8 cloud cover with light westerly winds and moderate turbulence.
Findings
Analysis of the flight instructor's report indicated that the student pilot struggled with coordinating control inputs while leveling the aircraft out of the sideslip. Specifically, the investigation determined that the pilot applied full right rudder during the transition from the sideslip to level flight, which destabilized the aircraft's direction.