Ka 6 crash during approach at Samedan airfield resulting in fatality
On August 3, 1977, a Ka 6 CR glider crashed during the approach phase at Samedan airfield in Switzerland. The pilot had launched from the airfield earlier in the day for a flight over the Alps. After releasing the winch cable, the airbrakes were deployed and remained extended throughout the flight. During the final turn for landing, the glider stalled from a low altitude and crashed, resulting in the pilot's death and the destruction of the aircraft. The investigation identified insufficient speed during the landing turn as the primary cause.
- Winch launch climb: The Ka 6 CR launched by winch from Samedan runway 21 and climbed normally to about 400–500 m above ground before cable release.
- Airbrakes left extended: Immediately after winch cable release, the pilot extended the airbrakes and they remained at least partially deployed instead of being retracted for normal flight.
- Pilot missed airbrakes: The pilot did not notice or correct the extended airbrakes, continuing flight toward the Muottas Muragl slope with the airbrakes still out.
- Height loss on circuit: With airbrakes extended the glider lost height rapidly, leading the pilot to abandon further soaring and return toward the airfield with insufficient altitude for a normal right-hand circuit.
- Tight low-altitude turn: Approaching the field over the Inn, the pilot initiated a tight left turn at about 50 m above ground in an attempt to align for landing despite the low height.
- Stall in landing turn: During the tight landing turn at low altitude and with airbrakes still extended, the glider’s airspeed fell below minimum and it stalled, dropping away from the turn.
- Crash - fatal: The glider impacted the right embankment of the Inn in a steep attitude, was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured.