Ka 10 collision with trees near Leysin results in fatality
On July 12, 1983, an Alexander Schleicher K 10 glider crashed near Leysin, Switzerland. The pilot embarked on a local training flight from Bex airfield. Approximately two and a half hours into the flight, the glider was observed flying towards a wooded slope and subsequently collided with a tree. The impact resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the pilot sustained fatal injuries. The investigation concluded that the accident likely occurred because the pilot did not maintain sufficient distance from the slope.
- Aerotow local flight: The pilot aerotowed from Bex airfield in a K 10 glider for a local training flight and continued soaring for about two and a half hours.
- Close ridge soaring: While searching for lift near the Prafandaz wooded slope above Leysin, the glider was flown close to the terrain at a large angle to the slope.
- Insufficient slope clearance: The pilot allowed the glider to approach the wooded slope without maintaining sufficient lateral and vertical distance to preserve maneuvering margin.
- Height loss near trees: The glider lost height while heading toward the slope, was seen to oscillate two or three times, and descended into the tree line.
- Wing strikes tree: The left wingtip struck the top of a fir tree, causing the glider to pivot and roll left into the forest.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the ground in the Prafandaz forest, was destroyed, and the pilot sustained fatal injuries shortly after the accident.