Colisión del K 8 B con cable cerca de Wolfenschiessen durante vuelo de entrenamiento

El 7 de junio de 1976, un Alexander Schleicher K 8 B colisionó con un cable de transporte cerca de Wolfenschiessen, Suiza, durante un vuelo de entrenamiento. El piloto, que tenía experiencia de vuelo limitada, volaba a aproximadamente 60 metros sobre el suelo cuando el ala derecha golpeó el cable. El impacto causó daños significativos en el ala y el planeador se estrelló, resultando en heridas graves para el piloto. La investigación señaló una preparación de vuelo inadecuada y el incumplimiento de la altura mínima de vuelo como factores contribuyentes. El planeador fue destruido en el accidente.

1. Aerotow ridge flight: The pilot aerotowed from Buochs and then ridge-soared up the northwest flank of the Buochserhorn to summit height before proceeding south along the east side of the Engelberg valley behind a lead glider.
2. Low experience pilot: The 18-year-old pilot had only 18:42 hours total time, limited solo experience on type, and was flying without instructor supervision under a short-term permit.
3. Poor obstacle planning: Before departure he did not study the obstacle chart or otherwise check for cables and other airfield obstacles along the intended route in the mountainous, obstacle-dense Engelberg valley.
4. Low ridge height: While following the lead glider along the valley side, he flew close to the slope at about 60 m above ground without having ensured there was no collision risk with obstacles.
5. Turn into lift zone: North of Chlei Gigi, upon noticing an area of lift, the pilot turned left toward the updraft area and immediately encountered an unmarked transport cable across his flight path.
6. Wing strikes cable: The glider passed just under the right-sloping cable but the right wing struck it about one metre inboard of the tip, tearing off a large outer wing section that remained hanging on the cable and causing the cockpit canopy to depart.
7. Crash - serious injury: Following the structural damage from the cable strike, the glider became uncontrollable and crashed near Chlei Gigi at about 1640 m elevation, seriously injuring the pilot and destroying the aircraft.