Morelli M-100-S collision with power lines during outlanding near Bedano
On April 12, 1971, a Morelli M-100-S experienced an incident near Bedano, Switzerland. During an outlanding attempt, the pilot collided with power lines, causing the glider to become suspended. The pilot was uninjured, but the glider sustained significant damage, including to its left wing and fuselage. The collision also damaged a 380 V power line, resulting in a temporary power outage. The official report attributes the incident to the pilot's late decision to outland and inadequate consideration of local wind conditions.
- Aerotow cross-country: After aerotow departure from Calcinate at 10:40, the pilot flew north toward Monte Ceneri and then turned back intending to continue toward Agno and return to the departure airfield.
- Strong sink encountered: While attempting to reach Agno, the glider entered strong descending air of about 2–3 m/s, rapidly reducing altitude and making continuation to an airfield unlikely.
- Late outlanding decision: The pilot delayed the decision to perform an outlanding until he was already low, leaving only a very limited choice of fields in a densely built-up, wire‑obstructed valley.
- Tailwind and high groundspeed: The pilot did not adequately account for the strong southerly wind, resulting in a significant tailwind and high groundspeed on approach to the chosen field.
- Attempted landing in small field: The pilot committed to landing in a short, narrow field near Tavaro‑Bedano and had to overfly the field while maneuvering to avoid buildings and power lines up to about 10 m high.
- Collision with power line: During the landing turn with tailwind and low height, the glider lost further altitude and struck an electrical line, becoming caught by the cable and suspended.
- Outlanding - damage: The glider remained suspended from the power line near Bedano, sustaining major wing and fuselage damage and damaging the electrical and telephone lines, while the pilot was uninjured.