Ka 8 B collision with power line during outlanding near Gstaad
On July 29, 1968, an Alexander Schleicher Ka 8 B experienced an incident near Gstaad, Switzerland. The pilot attempted an outlanding on a meadow but approached the chosen field approximately 15 meters too high. During a corrective maneuver, the left wing collided with a power line mast, causing significant damage to the aircraft. Despite the collision, the pilot remained uninjured. The official report attributes the accident to the pilot's misjudgment during the landing approach.
- Cross-country flight: After an aerotow launch from Zweisimmen, the pilot conducted a cross-country soaring flight toward the Col du Pillon and then began returning toward Saanen.
- Unable reach Saanen: On return toward Saanen, the glider encountered about 3 m/s sink near Gstaad and the pilot realized he could no longer reach the Saanen airfield.
- Late outlanding decision: The pilot decided to perform an outlanding only at about 100–150 m above ground instead of the recommended minimum of around 300 m, leaving little margin for planning.
- Tight landing circuit: Under time pressure and with limited height, the pilot flew an overly tight landing circuit to the selected meadow surrounded by buildings, fences, and power lines.
- High approach correction: Finding himself about 15 m too high on final to the chosen field, the pilot attempted to change his landing plan by initiating a 270° right turn to land at a different angle to the meadow.
- Wing hits power mast: During the low-altitude 270° turn, the left wingtip struck a wooden power line mast, violently yawing the glider to the left just a few meters above the ground.
- Outlanding - damage: The glider touched down out of control on the meadow and slid into a barn wall, sustaining substantial wing and fuselage damage while the pilot remained uninjured.