Club-Libelle collision with trees near Buchenbach results in fatality
On July 22, 2001, a Glasflügel Club-Libelle glider was involved in a fatal accident near Buchenbach, Germany. The pilot, who had extensive experience, attempted to find lift along a ridge but collided with trees. The glider was destroyed in the crash, and the pilot was found deceased at the scene. The investigation revealed no technical faults with the aircraft, and it was determined that the pilot misjudged height and clearance. The wreckage was located two days later after a search operation.
- Winch launch departure: The glider departed Kirchzarten by winch launch for a cross-country flight, reaching an approximate release height of 400 m before heading east toward nearby ridge terrain.
- Low height near ridge: After release the pilot proceeded about 3 km east toward the wooded slope with only about 400 m height available, limiting terrain and obstacle clearance margins.
- Slow approach to slope: On reaching the ridge area the pilot reduced speed to below 80 km/h and began a left turn close to the wooded hillside in an attempt to find thermal lift.
- Wingtip tree strike: During the low, slow left turn along the wooded slope, the right wingtip contacted the treetops, disrupting controlled flight.
- Crash - fatal: Following the tree strike the glider descended almost vertically into the forest on a steep hillside, was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal head injuries.