Kollision der Speed Astir II mit Transportkabel am Stanserhorn, Schweiz

Am 5. Juni 1983 war eine Grob Speed Astir II an einem Wettbewerbsflug von Luzern-Beromünster beteiligt. Beim Versuch, über dem Stanserhorn an Höhe zu gewinnen, kollidierte der Pilot mit einem Transportkabel. Das Segelflugzeug stürzte in einen Wald, was zu schweren Verletzungen des Piloten und erheblichen Schäden am Flugzeug führte. Das Transportkabel blieb intakt, und es wurden keine wesentlichen Drittschäden gemeldet. Die Untersuchung bestätigte die Kollision mit dem Kabel als Unfallursache.

1. Aerotow competition start: The pilot aerotowed from Luzern-Beromünster at 14:36 local time to begin a regional competition triangle task Beromünster–Sörenberg–Engelberg–Beromünster.
2. Poor lift en route: On the leg toward the first turnpoint Sörenberg, the pilot encountered only sinking air in the Pilatus area, forcing him to fly much lower than originally planned.
3. Low-altitude cable area: Despite prior briefing warnings about cable hazards and the presence of many transport cables in the area, the pilot continued flying low in terrain where such obstacles were known to exist.
4. Did not abandon task: The pilot lacked the determination to abandon the competition flight early despite deteriorating soaring conditions and increasing risk near terrain and cables.
5. Low climb attempt Stanserhorn: Seeking to regain altitude, the pilot diverted to the west side of Stanserhorn and flew along the slope searching for lift at about 60 m above ground.
6. Collision with cable: While flying with approximately 19° left bank along the Stanserhorn slope, the glider’s left wing struck a transport cable, cutting into the leading edge.
7. Crash - serious injury: Following the cable strike, the glider entered a left turn and crashed into a forest, severely injuring the pilot and heavily damaging the aircraft, while the cable remained intact.