Incidente del WLM-1 durante la aproximación en el aeródromo de Neuchâtel resulta en lesiones graves

El 15 de marzo de 1969, un planeador WLM-1 sufrió un accidente cerca del aeródromo de Neuchâtel en Suiza. El piloto, bajo la supervisión de un instructor, realizaba un vuelo de transición cuando el planeador entró en pérdida de control durante la fase de aproximación. La aeronave se estrelló, resultando en lesiones graves para el piloto y la destrucción del planeador. La investigación oficial concluyó que el accidente fue causado por una pérdida de velocidad debido a una maniobra inadecuada, probablemente derivada de la falta de entrenamiento y experiencia del piloto.

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.