Glider Crash Near Bennau Due to Adverse Wind Conditions

Casualties unknown • Bennau, SZ, CH

A K-8B glider sustained heavy damage after an unsuccessful forced landing near Bennau, Switzerland, caused by unfavorable winds.

What happened

On February 21, 1966, a K-8B glider, registered as HB-700, was involved in an accident near Bennau, SZ. While attempting an outlanding under challenging wind conditions, the aircraft failed to reach the intended landing area and struck an obstacle. The impact resulted in significant damage to the airframe, estimated at 25 percent of its total value.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the landing attempt and the environmental factors present at the time of the incident. The commission examined the flight conditions and the sequence of events leading to the collision with the obstacle.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the execution of an outlanding during unfavorable wind conditions.
  • The pilot was unable to maintain the necessary glide path, causing the aircraft to fall short of the intended landing zone.
  • The pilot remained uninjured following the impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an attempt to perform an outlanding in adverse wind conditions, which led to a short landing and a subsequent collision with an obstacle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1966-02-21 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU K 8B accident near Bennau, SZ, CH?

A K-8B glider sustained heavy damage after an unsuccessful forced landing near Bennau, Switzerland, caused by unfavorable winds.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1966-02-21 involved a ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER OHG SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU K 8B, registration HB-700, at Bennau, SZ, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by an attempt to perform an outlanding in adverse wind conditions, which led to a short landing and a subsequent collision with an obstacle.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/319.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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