Mucha Standard stall during approach at Hausen am Albis airfield
On April 28, 1968, a Mucha Standard glider experienced a stall during the approach phase at Hausen am Albis airfield in Switzerland. The pilot, who was not injured, encountered another glider unexpectedly during the approach, leading to a situation where he deployed the air brakes. This action resulted in the aircraft stalling and impacting the ground. The Mucha Standard sustained significant damage, but there were no injuries reported. The incident was attributed to the pilot's failure to maintain minimum airspeed during the final turn.
- Aerotow — landing: After an aerotow launch and local soaring, the pilot returned to Hausen am Albis and flew the standard landing circuit to runway 27.
- Other glider ahead: While in the crosswind/base leg, the pilot suddenly saw another glider about 80 m directly ahead already established on final approach, which he had not previously noticed.
- Low speed in circuit: Eyewitnesses reported the Mucha was already flying at minimal airspeed in the base leg, leaving little margin above stall, especially in turns.
- Airbrakes and tailwind: As he turned right into final to increase spacing from the other glider, the pilot extended the airbrakes and was flying with a slight tailwind component, further increasing stall risk.
- Stall and recovery attempt: The glider abruptly rolled off over the right wing; the pilot pushed to regain speed and then pulled due to ground proximity, partially recovering bank but not fully arresting the sink.
- Ground and fence contact: The glider struck a ground undulation with the fuselage and then the left wing contacted an electric livestock fence, yawing the aircraft to the left.
- Hard landing - damage: The glider came to rest roughly 90 degrees to the approach path on the airfield with the fuselage broken and wing fabric torn, while the pilot was uninjured.