K 8 B collision with fence during outlanding near Enetchirel, Switzerland
On August 14, 1971, an Alexander Schleicher K 8 B encountered challenging weather conditions during a local flight from Zweisimmen airfield. The pilot, unable to gain altitude due to strong winds, attempted an outlanding on a sloped terrain near Enetchirel, Switzerland. During the landing roll, the glider's left wing touched the ground, causing the aircraft to veer left and collide with a barbed wire fence. The pilot was uninjured, but the glider sustained significant damage. The official report concluded that the pilot's decision to continue flying into unfavorable conditions and the choice of landing site contributed to the incident.
- Aerotow local flight: The pilot took off at 1218 on aerotow from Zweisimmen for a local soaring flight and released at about 1800 m west of the Niderhorn after climbing to roughly 2100 m.
- Drift into Diemtigtal: In strong northwesterly winds the pilot allowed the glider to drift over the Niderhorn ridge into the rear Diemtigtal, where it encountered strong sink.
- Unfavourable weather: Strong winds, showers or thunderstorms with gusts and turbulence, and rain showers entering the Diemtigtal created difficult soaring and landing conditions.
- Continued eastward flight: Hoping to find lift on the opposite side of the valley, the pilot continued flying eastward but was unable to gain altitude.
- Decision for outlanding: As rain showers began penetrating the valley, the pilot decided to perform an outlanding on a steep south-facing slope northeast of Enetchirel.
- Downslope landing roll: The pilot conducted a landing approach on heading 075° onto terrain sloping about 1:10 downhill, and in strong gusty conditions the glider touched down and rolled approximately 150 m before the left wing contacted the ground, yawing the aircraft left.
- Outlanding - damage: Around 1250 the glider, veering left after wing contact, struck a barbed wire fence with its tail, heavily damaging the aircraft while the pilot remained uninjured.