Mini Nimbus C collision with terrain near Blankenburg resulting in fatality
On July 26, 1992, a Schempp-Hirth Mini Nimbus C glider took off from Zweisimmen, Switzerland, for a local flight. The glider, piloted by an experienced aviator, encountered difficulties and crashed into a wooded slope above Blankenburg, Germany. The right wing struck trees before the aircraft impacted rocky terrain, resulting in the death of the pilot. The investigation did not determine a specific cause for the collision with the terrain, but noted the presence of turbulence in the area.
- Aerotow local soaring: The Mini Nimbus C launched by aerotow from Zweisimmen at 15:45 for a local soaring flight and released at about 2000 m MSL on slopes east of the airfield.
- Weak, turbulent thermals: By late afternoon the thermals were weakening and the accident area was characterized by pronounced local turbulence and abrupt vertical air movements.
- Low, close-in ridge flying: While flying down-valley along a steep, forested slope near the Spillgerten massif, the glider was in close proximity to the terrain, likely seeking remaining weak lift in the hillside 'kettle' area.
- Right wing hits trees: The glider, still in essentially normal attitude, made an initial relatively gentle contact with the tops of trees on the steep Mulebergwald slope with its right wing, indicating insufficient clearance from the terrain.
- Violent impact with tree: After being strongly decelerated and yawed right, the glider’s left wing struck the trunk of a large fir about 10 m above the ground, coming to an abrupt stop and sliding several metres down the trunk.
- Crash - fatal: The glider then impacted the rocky, debris-strewn slope nearly parallel to the terrain, destroying the forward fuselage and fatally injuring the pilot.