Flight Description
On Sunday, 30 April 1972, at 1630 local time, a female pilot (born 1929) commenced her first conversion flight to the K 8 B glider (registration HB-831) at Bellechasse airfield. The aircraft was towed for takeoff on runway 26 with a light headwind. During the climb, the glider rose too high, hindering the towplane's ascent. The pilot later stated that she pushed the control stick but the glider did not descend. She then switched hands to adjust the trim, pushing it forward, yet the glider continued to climb. Subsequently she pulled the trim back to its previous position. By that time, the towed formation had reached an altitude of approximately 100 meters. The glider, at a high angle of attack, veered left. The pilot released the tow cable. The glider stalled and banked left, and the pilot lost control. The aircraft performed about one and a half left turns before impacting a field about 280 meters from the western airfield boundary at 1645.
Findings
The pilot held a valid student pilot and parachutist license. Her total flight experience was 32 hours and 32 minutes, with only 1 hour and 38 minutes flown in the preceding 90 days. The accident flight was her first solo flight since 13 October 1971. No evidence indicated any health impairment. The aircraft was airworthy, properly certified, and had no pre-existing defects. Weight and balance were within limits. Weather conditions: wind 2-7 knots from variable directions, visibility 20-30 km.
The pilot had not received permission from the flight instructor responsible for the conversion training. She asked the instructor on duty if she could convert to the K 8 B, but he replied "mir gsehs de" (indicating a later time). The glider was prepared for flight by members of the Segelfluggruppe Broye without the instructor's knowledge.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by insufficient piloting skills and lack of instruction on the K 8 B.
Damage
The pilot was seriously injured. The glider was destroyed. Minor third-party damage occurred.