DG-600 incident in Sool, Switzerland resulting in fatality
On September 10, 2000, a Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau DG-600 crashed near Sool, Switzerland. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was ejected from the cockpit upon impact and suffered fatal injuries. The incident occurred after the glider was observed performing unusual maneuvers at high speed. An investigation revealed no pre-existing technical issues with the aircraft. However, medical findings suggested the pilot had severe heart conditions that likely contributed to a loss of control.
- Aerotow departure: The pilot assembled and checked his private DG-600 with his wife’s assistance at Schänis and took off by aerotow at 13:02 without abnormalities.
- Post-tow cruising: After releasing from tow over the Schilt group, the pilot thanked the tug pilot and continued gliding in the local area under good weather conditions.
- Pilot incapacitation: While cruising, the pilot likely suffered a consciousness disturbance related to severe pre-existing heart disease, initiating a loss of effective control of the glider.
- Unusual high-speed flight: Another glider pilot and ground witnesses observed the DG-600 flying straight at very high speed toward Gulderstock–Schwanden, then abruptly entering unusual attitudes including a steep left bank of 60–90 degrees.
- Descent into terrain: The glider entered a descending flight path with about a 45-degree nose-down attitude, sheared the tops off small trees, and continued toward rising terrain.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the slope near Alp Fessis/Kuhboden and was destroyed; the pilot was thrown from the cockpit, his parachute partially deployed from its pack, and he sustained fatal injuries.