Ka 8 crash during winch launch at Ambri airfield after cable break
On August 19, 2000, a Schleicher Ka 8B experienced a fatal crash at Ambri airfield in Switzerland during a winch launch. The glider's cable broke at approximately 90-100 meters altitude, leading to a loss of control. The student pilot attempted a right turn but was unable to regain stability, resulting in a collision with the ground. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed. The report highlighted a poor condition of the winch cable as a contributing factor.
- Winch launch climb: During a training winch launch from runway 11, the Ka 8B was climbing through about 90–100 m AGL with the student pilot on board.
- Winch cable breaks: At approximately 90–100 m AGL the winch cable, which was in poor condition, failed and broke during the launch.
- Initial pitch-down: The student correctly pushed the control stick forward to regain speed and the broken winch cable released from the glider.
- Low-altitude right turn: Instead of continuing straight ahead on the remaining runway, the student initiated an early right turn to track back along runway 11 at low altitude.
- Second turn, low speed: Around 150 m from the runway threshold at about 50–60 m AGL, the student began a second right turn, was drifted north of the runway by the southeast wind, and increased bank to realign with the runway while airspeed decreased markedly.
- Loss of control in turn: With a steep bank estimated around 60° and insufficient airspeed, the glider descended on a very steep flight path and the pilot lost control, striking the ground with the right wingtip and overturning.
- Crash - fatal: The glider was destroyed in the crash beside runway 11 and the student pilot, though initially rescued alive, later died from the severe injuries sustained.