Ka 4 Rhönlerche II forced landing in strong crosswind near Schaffhausen airfield

On June 6, 1972, a Ka 4 Rhönlerche II attempted a five-hour flight from Schaffhausen airfield in Switzerland. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, including low cloud cover and occasional showers, the pilot attempted to return to the airfield but was unable to do so because of headwinds. The pilot decided to land in a field but had to switch to a mowed meadow due to insufficient space. The glider made a forced landing 1 km east of the airfield in strong crosswinds, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. The pilot was unharmed, and no third-party damage occurred.

1. Local soaring flight: The pilot departed Schaffhausen airfield at 1303 local time in the Rhönlerche II HB-669 for a planned five-hour soaring flight.
2. Weather deterioration: During the flight, weather conditions deteriorated with low cloud base and occasional showers, forcing the pilot to abandon the planned task and return toward the airfield.
3. Low altitude return: The pilot attempted to return to the airfield at low altitude and was unable to reach it due to headwind.
4. Select first field: Recognizing he could not reach the airfield, the pilot planned a direct approach to a field located about halfway back to the airfield.
5. Late field change: At approximately 40–50 meters above ground, the pilot realized the first field was insufficient and turned about 90 degrees left toward a mowed meadow to land there instead.
6. Crosswind approach: The glider continued the low-altitude approach to the alternative meadow in strong crosswind conditions, reducing safety margins for the off-field landing.
7. Outlanding - damage: At about 1318 local time the glider made a forced landing on the mowed meadow 1 km east of the airfield, resulting in a crash landing that heavily damaged the aircraft but left the pilot uninjured and caused no third-party damage.