Standard Libelle Außenlandung mit Hindernissen nahe Schinznach-Dorf, Schweiz

Am 15. Mai 1976 erlebte eine Glasflügel Standard Libelle eine Außenlandung in der Nähe von Schinznach-Dorf, Schweiz. Während der Schweizer Segelflugmeisterschaft stieß der Pilot auf unerwartete Abwinde und entschied sich, in einem Feld zu landen. Beim Landeversuch schlug der rechte Flügel auf eine Straße und einen Zaun, und der linke Flügel streifte einen Baum. Das Flugzeug erlitt erhebliche Schäden, aber der Pilot blieb unverletzt. Es gab geringfügige Schäden in der Umgebung.

1. Cross-country cruise: During the Swiss gliding championship, the pilot was returning cross-country toward Birrfeld in the Standard Libelle after a task leg.
2. Unexpected strong sink: While still about 10 km from Birrfeld and at roughly 1000 m MSL over Thalheim, the glider encountered an unanticipated strong height loss due to downdrafts.
3. Low altitude reserve: At about 1000 m MSL with only ~500 m usable height to cover the remaining distance, the altitude margin to safely reach Birrfeld was limited.
4. Decision to outland: Recognizing he could no longer reach Birrfeld, the pilot selected a field near the Schinznach Dorf–Schinznach Bad road for an outlanding and assessed it with a few circles.
5. Tight low-height circuit: Flying north of the field with tailwind at about 150 m AGL, the pilot, confronted with increasing sink, initiated the first 90-degree right turn earlier than planned at about 90 km/h and immediately followed with the second right turn while further increasing speed.
6. Wing strikes obstacles: During the second right turn in continued strong sink, the right wing contacted the adjacent main road and fence, then the left wing struck a tree, and the fuselage impacted the ground, slewing about 90 degrees from the intended landing direction.
7. Outlanding - damage: The glider sustained severe damage to the fuselage, tail, and right wing while the pilot remained uninjured and only minor ground damage occurred.