Late and low outlanding decision: Ventus C strikes fence on short final
The pilot of a Schempp-Hirth Ventus C from Langenthal (LSPL) was lightly injured and exited unaided after striking a fence on outlanding near Aeschau; the glider was heavily damaged. After finding no usable lift over the Bernese pre-Alps, the pilot decided at about 850 m MSL — late and from low altitude — to outland on a flat mowed meadow with only a very short approach path. A tight 180 degree left turn aligned the glider southeast. The remaining height on short final was insufficient to clear a fence crossing the approach; the Ventus C hit the fence and was decelerated abruptly. The late, low decision left no room for the obstacle.
- Cross-country cruise: After aerotow departure from Langenthal, the pilot conducted a cross-country soaring flight into the Bernese pre-Alps under VFR, progressing via several ridges and passes while the cloudbase gradually lowered.
- Unable to find lift: On the south side of the Niederhorn and later at the Honegg and over the Emmental, the pilot was unable to find usable thermals and continued to lose altitude.
- Low decision height: The decision to perform an outlanding was made late, at a remaining altitude of about 850 m MSL in the Aeschau area, leaving limited time and options for selecting a suitable field.
- Short-field selection: The pilot selected a flat, mown meadow that appeared most suitable despite offering only a very short possible final approach path.
- Tight 180° turn: To align with the chosen field, the pilot flew a tight 180-degree left turn to approach in a southeasterly direction onto the meadow.
- Insufficient fence clearance: In the short final approach, the remaining height was insufficient to clear a fence running across the approach path in front of the landing area.
- Crash - minor injury: The glider collided with the fence, was abruptly decelerated and heavily damaged, and the pilot sustained minor injuries but exited the aircraft unaided.