Ka 8 Absturz während Windenstart auf dem Flugplatz Ambri nach Seilriss

Am 19. August 2000 ereignete sich auf dem Flugplatz Ambri in der Schweiz ein tödlicher Absturz einer Schleicher Ka 8B während eines Windenstarts. Das Seil des Segelflugzeugs riss in einer Höhe von etwa 90-100 Metern, was zu einem Kontrollverlust führte. Der Flugschüler versuchte eine Rechtskurve, konnte die Stabilität jedoch nicht wiedererlangen, was zu einem Aufprall auf den Boden führte. Der Pilot erlitt tödliche Verletzungen, und das Flugzeug wurde zerstört. Der Bericht hob den schlechten Zustand des Windenseils als beitragenden Faktor hervor.

1. 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.
2. Winch cable breaks: At approximately 90–100 m AGL the winch cable, which was in poor condition, failed and broke during the launch.
3. Initial pitch-down: The student correctly pushed the control stick forward to regain speed and the broken winch cable released from the glider.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.