Slingsby Skylark 3 collision with trees near Val de Morgins, Switzerland
On July 9, 1972, a Slingsby Skylark 3 glider took off from Bex airfield for a training flight in the Morgins region. During the flight, the automatic release mechanism activated, detaching the glider from the tow at an altitude of 1925 meters. The pilot continued the flight but encountered turbulence. While maneuvering near Val de Morgins, the glider collided with trees and crashed into a pasture at a steep angle. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the glider was destroyed. The investigation concluded that the accident was likely caused by insufficient airspeed in turbulent conditions.
- Aerotow training flight: The pilot departed Bex airfield on an aerotow in a Slingsby Skylark 3 for a training flight in the Morgins area.
- Inadvertent tow release: In strong turbulence while entering the Val de Morgins from the north, the glider’s automatic release opened and the glider unintentionally separated from the tow at about 1925 m.
- Low pilot experience: The pilot had a total of 23 hours 28 minutes gliding experience, with only 3 hours 13 minutes on the Skylark 3 type.
- Turbulent slope conditions: The flight took place in locally turbulent conditions associated with weak foehn and thermal activity while flying close to the south-facing slope in the Val de Morgins.
- Low, slow slope flying: After release the pilot continued toward Morgins, then flew along the south side of the valley at low height, attempting to gain altitude in weak slope lift while remaining slightly below the crest.
- Loss of airspeed, sink: While turning right near a forested area slightly below the ridge, the glider apparently lost airspeed in turbulence, descended rapidly, and struck the tops of spruce trees with the right wing.
- Crash - serious injury: After contacting the trees the glider crashed onto a pasture at about a 45° angle at 1805 m, seriously injuring the pilot and destroying the aircraft.