Astir CS Kollision mit Baum während Hangflug nahe Olten, Schweiz
Am 10. Juli 1982 war ein Grob Astir CS in einen Vorfall nahe Born bei Olten, Schweiz, während eines privaten Schulungsflugs verwickelt. Das Segelflugzeug kollidierte mit einem Baum, während es nahe am Hang flog, was zu einem Schaden an einem Flügel führte. Dies resultierte in einem Kontrollverlust und einem anschließenden Absturz in ein bewaldetes Gebiet. Der Pilot erlitt schwere Verletzungen, darunter Weichteilverletzungen im Gesicht, eine komplexe Beinfraktur und eine Gehirnerschütterung. Das Segelflugzeug wurde bei dem Vorfall zerstört.
- Winch launch ridge flight: The pilot winch-launched the Astir CS from Olten and proceeded to fly ridge-soaring along the Born crest in weakening lift conditions.
- Weakening ridge lift: Around 1900 local time the ridge lift at Born was abating, making it difficult for gliders to maintain or exceed crest height according to other pilots.
- Low height near ridge: Witnesses observed the accident glider flying relatively low along the Born slope, with limited clearance above the trees.
- Collision with tree: While ridge-soaring close to the slope, the glider likely struck a tree, as suggested by a freshly broken treetop found above the accident site and subsequent wing damage.
- Wing damage loss of control: After the impact, witnesses saw one wingtip hanging down, indicating structural damage that led to loss of roll control and the onset of a spinning or rotating descent.
- Crash - serious injury: The uncontrollable glider descended in a turning motion into the forest near Borngrube, was destroyed, and the pilot sustained serious injuries including facial soft tissue damage, a complex leg fracture, and a concussion.