What happened
On April 30, 1972, at approximately 16:30 CET, a K 8 B glider, registration HB-831, departed from the Bellechasse airfield for a tow takeoff. The flight was intended to be the pilot's first transition training flight on this specific aircraft type. During the climb, the glider ascended too rapidly, creating an obstacle for the towing aircraft.
In an attempt to manage the climb, the pilot attempted to adjust the trim settings. However, the aircraft continued to rise, and the pilot eventually lost control as the glider drifted leftward. To prevent further complications, the pilot released the tow rope. The K 8 B subsequently entered a series of left-hand turns, completing approximately one and a flight loop before impacting a field roughly 280 meters west of the airfield perimeter. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's experience, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the circumstances surrounding the flight authorization. The pilot held a valid student pilot license and had a total flight time of 32 hours and 32 minutes, though recent flight activity was minimal, with only 1 hour and 38 minutes flown in the preceding 90 days. This was the pilot's first solo flight since October 1971.
Technical inspections confirmed that the HB-831 was airworthy, properly maintained, and within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident. The investigation also revealed that the flight instructor in charge had not authorized the transition flight. While the pilot had inquired about training on the type, the instructor had deferred the matter to a later time. The aircraft was prepared for takeoff by members of the local gliding group without the instructor's knowledge.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a transition flight without the necessary instructor authorization or specific instructions for the K 8 B.
- The pilot was overwhelmed by the flight demands due to a lack of specific training on this aircraft type.
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's insufficient flying skills and the lack of proper instruction for the aircraft type.