Standard Libelle collision with power lines during outlanding near Küssnacht, Switzerland
On May 6, 1972, a Glasflügel Standard Libelle experienced a collision with power lines during an outlanding near Küssnacht, Switzerland. The pilot had launched from Buttwil airfield and encountered insufficient thermals, leading to the decision to land in a field. During the approach, the glider's left wing struck an electrical line, causing significant damage to the aircraft. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and there was minimal third-party damage. The official report attributes the incident to an unsatisfactory landing approach.
- Aerotow cross-country: The pilot aerotowed from Buttwil and then thermaled up to about 1400 m before gliding south of the Lindenberg in search of better lift.
- Weak thermals en route: Despite flying toward the Rooterberg and then Meggen under cumulus clouds, the pilot found no significant thermals and descended to about 1100 m MSL.
- Short, obstructed field: The pilot selected a roughly 180 m by 37 m mown field for an outlanding that was flanked on both sides by overhead power lines near Hinter-Barbrämen.
- High, misjudged approach: During the outlanding circuit at about 150 m AGL, the pilot turned onto final too early, resulting in an approach that was too high toward the short field.
- Tight corrective turn: To lose height, the pilot flew a full left 360 about 250 m before the field, but flew the circle poorly so the glider yawed and skidded left on rollout.
- Wing strikes power line: Still in a skid, the glider overflew houses and the left wing leading edge struck an overhead electrical line and insulator about 8 m above ground.
- Crash - minor injury: After briefly regaining level attitude, the glider impacted the ground hard around 1215, causing serious aircraft damage and minor injury to the pilot.