Standard Cirrus collision with power line during outlanding in Möriken, Switzerland
On June 5, 1976, a Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus experienced a collision with a power line during an outlanding attempt in Möriken, Switzerland. The pilot, who was participating in a regional competition, encountered unexpected sinking air and could not return to Birrfeld airfield. While attempting to land in a field, the glider struck a 380-volt power line and crashed into a garden. The aircraft sustained significant damage, but the pilot was uninjured. The investigation highlighted the pilot's delayed decision-making as a contributing factor.
- Aerotow cross-country: The pilot launched by aerotow from Birrfeld for a regional competition flight and proceeded on cross-country in the Standard Cirrus HB-1269.
- Encounter strong sink: On the return leg from the Gisliflue toward Birrfeld, the pilot encountered unexpectedly strong sinking air and realized he could no longer reach the home airfield.
- Lee-side sink unanticipated: The pilot paid insufficient attention to the Bise wind conditions and did not anticipate the significant downdrafts in the lee of the Chestenberg near Möriken and Brunegg.
- Delayed outlanding decision: Despite inadequate height and the availability of several suitable outlanding fields between Gisliflue and Birrfeld, the pilot repeatedly postponed the decision to commit to an outlanding.
- Aim for distant field: Believing he could still safely reach a known landing field near Brunegg, the pilot continued toward it instead of selecting a closer field.
- Low-altitude field change: Arriving over Möriken at about 100 m above ground and realizing he could not reach the intended field, the pilot decided too late to land on a nearer meadow and flew a series of tight left turns toward it.
- Crash - no injury: During the first 90° left turn the glider’s left inner wing struck a 380 V power line, causing a half rotation and tail-first crash into a garden between houses, heavily damaging the aircraft but leaving the pilot uninjured.