WLM-1 incident during approach at Neuchâtel Aérodrome results in serious injury

On March 15, 1969, a WLM-1 glider experienced an accident near Neuchâtel Aérodrome in Switzerland. The pilot, under the supervision of an instructor, was conducting a transition flight when the glider entered a spin during the approach phase. The aircraft crashed, resulting in serious injuries to the pilot and the destruction of the glider. The official investigation concluded that the accident was caused by a loss of speed due to an inadequate maneuver, likely stemming from the pilot's lack of training and experience.

1. Aerotow approach training: During a supervised transition flight on the WLM-1, the pilot completed a normal aerotow and positioned for the approach after a right-hand circuit over the lake.
2. Low recent experience: The pilot was relatively low-time and had suspended glider flying for about seven and a half months, having made only one short refresher flight before this transition to a more advanced glider.
3. Low approach altitude: The pilot was at an estimated 200–300 m AGL near the threshold, significantly lower than the 600 m altitude specified by the instructor for practicing a stall and loss-of-speed exercise.
4. Steep pitch-up to slow: While on the downwind/approach side of the circuit, the pilot pitched the glider up by about 13–15 degrees, apparently to reduce speed or perform the instructed loss-of-speed maneuver at this low height.
5. Flaps used improperly: Contrary to the instructor’s directions to perform the loss-of-speed exercise without flaps, the pilot had the flaps at about 30 degrees, increasing the risk of an abrupt stall at the chosen speed and attitude.
6. Stall and spin entry: At the pitch-up and subsequent nose drop, the glider stalled and immediately entered a right-hand spin from low altitude, with no corrective action observed by witnesses.
7. Crash - serious injury: After three to four turns of the spin, the glider impacted the ground at a steep nose-down attitude and was destroyed, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.