Diamant 18 crash near Heiden results in pilot fatality
On July 5, 1968, a Glasflügel Diamant 18 crashed near Heiden, Switzerland, resulting in the death of the pilot. The pilot, a Swedish national, had launched from Altenrhein airfield for an orientation flight. After releasing from tow at approximately 1400 meters, the glider descended and crashed between 1715 and 1720 MEZ at Bischofsberg. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact. The investigation concluded that the pilot likely lost control, though the exact reasons remain undetermined.
- Aerotow climb: The pilot launched by aerotow from Altenrhein at 1706 MEZ for an orientation flight in the Diamant 18, following the previously flown test-flight tow route.
- Early tow release: Around 1715 MEZ, in calm air near St. Anton at about 1400 m MSL (roughly 1000 m above Altenrhein), the pilot unexpectedly released from tow earlier than planned.
- Undocumented flight path: After release the glider flew out of sight of the tow pilot and no witnesses could later reconstruct the subsequent flight path until shortly before impact.
- Low hillside flight: Shortly before the accident the glider was observed flying along the steep north slope of Bischofsberg roughly 100 m or less above the ground, heading from the ski lift area toward the northeast.
- Loss of control descent: Witnesses reported apparent wing flexing or perceived flutter noises, after which the glider descended and impacted the slope in an almost vertical, left-turning attitude, indicating loss of control at low height.
- Crash - fatal: The glider struck the north slope of Bischofsberg nearly vertically and was destroyed, fatally injuring the pilot.