Hug Spyr 5A hard landing after winch launch at Swiss military airfield

On April 23, 1966, a Hug Spyr 5A experienced a hard landing at a military airfield in Switzerland. During a winch launch, the pilot lost control of the dual-seat glider and released the winch cable. The aircraft then entered an uncontrolled flight path before impacting the ground with significant force. The glider sustained substantial damage, but there were no injuries or fatalities reported.

1. Winch launch takeoff: During a winch launch from a military airfield, the dual-seat Spyr VA HB-509 began its takeoff roll and initial climb.
2. Loss of control: While on winch launch, the pilot lost control of the glider.
3. Cable release: After losing control during the winch launch, the pilot released the winch cable.
4. Uncontrolled flight path: Following cable release, the glider continued in an uncontrolled flight, unable to be stabilized before ground contact.
5. Hard landing - damage: The glider impacted the ground fairly hard on the military airfield and was substantially damaged, but there were no injuries.