Neukom Elfe MN-R outlanding in Mitteltal results in significant damage
On June 5, 1972, a Neukom Elfe MN-R was forced to perform an outlanding near Mitteltal, Germany. After taking off from Schaffhausen airfield for a triangular cross-country flight, the pilot landed in a meadow due to unavoidable circumstances. During the landing roll, the left wing touched the ground and the aircraft veered into an unseen drainage ditch. The pilot was uninjured, but the glider sustained heavy damage. The investigation confirmed the accident was due to the glider entering the hidden ditch.
- Cross-country cruise: The pilot departed Schaffhausen by aerotow for a triangular cross-country flight and later continued the flight en route over the Black Forest.
- Forced outlanding: Before reaching his planned destination, the pilot was compelled to perform an outlanding in a meadow west of Mitteltal.
- Hidden drainage ditch: A narrow drainage ditch in the meadow was obscured by 45 cm high grass and was not visible to the pilot during the approach and landing.
- Wing contacts ground: During the landing roll, the left wing touched the tall grass-covered ground, causing the glider to yaw to the left.
- Glider enters ditch: While veering left during the rollout, the glider ran into the unseen narrow drainage ditch, causing substantial structural loads.
- Outlanding - damage: The pilot was uninjured but the glider was heavily damaged after entering the drainage ditch during the outlanding rollout, with no third-party damage.