DFS Weihe crash during low-altitude maneuvering near Malonskopf, Vorarlberg
On July 2, 1971, a DFS Weihe crashed near Malonskopf, Vorarlberg, Austria. The pilot had launched from Hohenems-Dornbirn airfield for a training flight and released from tow at approximately 1200 meters. After soaring in the area for about two hours, the glider stalled while maneuvering at low altitude near a ridge. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation confirmed that the crash resulted from flying below the minimum speed in turbulent conditions.
- Aerotow training flight: The pilot launched by aerotow from Hohenems-Dornbirn for a training flight and released near the Hohen Kugel at about 1200 m MSL.
- Prolonged ridge soaring: For about two hours the pilot soared in the Hohe Kugel and Hoher Freschen area before crossing the valley between Viktorsberg and Fraxern in ridge proximity and at relatively low altitude.
- Low height near slope: While circling close to the slope in the Malonskopf area, the glider was at low height above the wooded terrain, leaving little margin for recovery.
- Turbulent conditions: In the ridge area there was local moderate wind and thermal turbulence up to about 1500 m, which may have promoted entry into a critical flight condition.
- Speed below minimum: While circling slowly near the slope, the pilot allowed the airspeed to drop below the minimum safe speed for the conditions.
- Stall and nose drop: The glider stalled and pitched nose-down, and due to the low height the pilot was unable to complete a recovery before ground impact.
- Crash - minor injury: The glider crashed into the forested slope of Malonskopf, destroying the aircraft and causing minor injuries to the pilot and slight third-party damage.