Accidente de ASW 19 durante el aterrizaje en el aeródromo de Montricher, Suiza
El 28 de septiembre de 1994, un Alexander Schleicher ASW 19 B estuvo involucrado en un accidente de aterrizaje en el aeródromo de Montricher, Suiza. El piloto, realizando un vuelo de entrenamiento privado, intentó aterrizar en la pista 03 pero se aproximó a una velocidad excesivamente alta. A pesar de desplegar los frenos de aire e intentar un deslizamiento a la izquierda para reducir la velocidad y la altitud, el planeador colisionó con la pista. El piloto sufrió heridas graves, mientras que el planeador fue destruido. La investigación oficial confirmó que un enfoque inadecuado y una velocidad de aterrizaje excesiva fueron las causas principales.
- Circuit joining: After about 25 minutes of local soaring, the pilot returned to Montricher and joined the downwind leg for runway 03 with excess altitude and speed.
- Abnormal circuit path: Instead of flying a normal full downwind leg, the pilot conducted a high, fast spiral for height loss near the threshold and then turned early onto base, ending up almost overhead the runway 03 threshold at excessive height.
- High approach speed: Witnesses observed the glider flying at an abnormally high speed, later estimated at about 120–140 km/h on approach, making energy management difficult.
- Steep descent with airbrakes: Finding himself too high to land within the airfield limits, the pilot selected a touchdown point about two-thirds down the runway and fully deployed the airbrakes while pitching down into a very steep descent.
- Low-level slip attempt: Close to the ground, the pilot initiated a left slip and attempted to flare, trying to reduce both excess height and speed just before touchdown.
- Loss of pitch control: Near the ground the glider began several longitudinal oscillations, ending in a very disordered motion in which the tail, wings, and nose struck the ground in succession.
- Crash - serious injury: The glider collided heavily with the runway and was destroyed, and the pilot sustained serious injuries to his right foot, pelvis, and spine.