SHK-1 accident during outlanding near Moudon, Switzerland on June 16, 1967
On June 16, 1967, a Schempp-Hirth SHK-1 experienced an accident during an outlanding near Moudon, Switzerland. The pilot attempted to land in a field after failing to find suitable lift during a national gliding championship flight. While deploying dive brakes and a drogue chute, the glider flipped and crashed, resulting in injuries to the pilot. The investigation concluded that a rapid control input combined with rudder use caused the glider to roll and invert. The pilot was hospitalized with a head injury, while the glider sustained significant damage.
- Cross-country approach: During a national championship cross-country task, the pilot, unable to find further lift near Moudon, committed to an off-field landing in a mown pasture aligned 04–22.
- High-energy short final: On short final over the chosen field, after crossing a high-tension power line at about 15 m, the pilot deployed the tail braking parachute and extended dive brakes, steepening the glide to roughly 20° at about 120 km/h.
- Low height and drag: The flare was initiated only a few meters above ground with both dive brakes and braking parachute deployed, reducing control effectiveness in the boundary layer and making pitch response sluggish.
- Abrupt control input: Per flight tests and the pilot’s account, when the glider reacted weakly to initial aft stick during the flare, the pilot pulled the stick rapidly while also applying some rudder to correct heading.
- Uncommanded roll and inversion: The combined rapid aft stick and rudder input caused the SHK-1 to yaw and roll left, entering a rapid half-roll to inverted flight with the left wingtip striking the ground.
- Crash - minor injury: The glider impacted inverted in the axis of the intended landing field, sustaining substantial damage while the pilot suffered a head laceration requiring hospitalization.