DG-400 motor failure leads to safe outlanding near Jesenwang
On August 11, 2000, a Glaser-Dirks DG-400 experienced a motor failure shortly after takeoff from Jesenwang airfield. The pilot detected strong vibrations and decided to perform an outlanding. The aircraft was landed safely in a nearby field, with only minor damage to the propeller and no injuries. The investigation revealed that the failure was due to fatigue cracks in the propeller mount. The pilot's decision to outland prevented further damage to the aircraft.
- Self-launch climb: The DG-400 self-launched from Jesenwang runway 25 and was climbing normally shortly after takeoff.
- Strong engine vibration: Shortly before turning into the left crosswind leg, the pilot felt strong shaking from the engine area, later found to be caused by fatigue failure of the rear propeller support.
- Power reduced, turn: The pilot throttled the engine back to idle and initiated a right turn away from the circuit to manage the situation.
- Decision to outland: Assessing that he could not safely reach Jesenwang, the pilot decided to perform an outlanding in a nearby field.
- Wing digs into crop: During touchdown in the 80 cm high grain, the right wingtip sank deeper into the crop than the left, forcing the glider into a right pivot on the ground.
- Outlanding - damage: The glider completed an off-field landing in a grain field with minor damage to the propeller and propulsion support but no injuries to the pilot.