Aterrizaje forzoso del Kranich III tras liberación del remolque cerca del aeródromo de Bex

El 29 de junio de 1969, un DFS Kranich III despegó del aeródromo de Bex con un piloto y un pasajero. Poco después del despegue, el piloto liberó la cuerda de remolque cuando el avión remolcador tuvo dificultades para ganar altitud. El planeador realizó un aterrizaje forzoso, resultando en daños significativos a la aeronave. Tanto el piloto como el pasajero resultaron ilesos. La investigación confirmó que los aerofrenos se desplegaron inadvertidamente durante el despegue, afectando el rendimiento del avión remolcador.

1. Aerotow takeoff: The Kranich III HB-538 with a pilot and passenger began an aerotow takeoff from Bex airfield at 14:34.
2. Airbrakes extend: During the takeoff roll or initial climb, the glider’s airbrakes became deployed without the pilot noticing, increasing drag.
3. Undetected airbrakes: The pilot was unaware that the airbrakes were out, so the abnormal drag condition persisted during the climb.
4. Tow cannot climb: The additional drag from the extended airbrakes prevented the tow plane from gaining sufficient height after liftoff.
5. Tow rope released: Recognizing that the tow combination was not climbing, the glider pilot released the tow rope shortly after takeoff.
6. Hard landing - damage: The pilot carried out a forced landing near Bex, during which the glider was severely damaged but both occupants were uninjured.