LS 6-18w loss of control during steep turn near Schüpfheim
On May 14, 2000, a Rolladen-Schneider LS 6-18w experienced a loss of control during a steep turn near Schüpfheim, Switzerland. The pilot, who had 431 total flight hours, was attempting an outlanding due to deteriorating thermal conditions. During a low-altitude turn, the glider's left wing made contact with the ground, resulting in a crash. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the glider was destroyed. No third-party damage occurred.
- Cross-country landing: During a cross-country soaring flight from Birrfeld, the pilot entered the landing phase after thermals deteriorated in the Entlebuch area and he could no longer maintain altitude.
- Low height for circuit: The pilot delayed his decision to outland until about 300 m above ground, leaving limited height to fly a proper landing circuit.
- Short, high-grass field: The selected outlanding field near the hamlet of Lehn was covered with high grass and, from the point where the left turn was initiated, appeared very short for a safe landing.
- Steep low-altitude turn: Over the intended landing field at an altitude estimated by witnesses as less than 100 m above ground, the pilot initiated a steep 180° left turn to lose remaining height and align for landing.
- Stall and loss of control: During the steep turn the glider likely dropped below minimum speed, the pilot felt no control forces, the nose pitched down, the left wing dropped, and the aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight attitude.
- Wing strikes ground: Before the 180° turn could be completed, after about 90° of turn the left wing contacted the ground and the nose impacted, causing the glider to rotate and come to rest opposite the initial flight direction.
- Crash - serious injury: The off-field landing attempt ended in a crash that destroyed the glider and caused the pilot serious back and leg injuries.