Karpf Baby collision during outlanding near Niederhelfenschwil, Switzerland
On August 20, 1965, a Karpf-Flugzeugbau Karpf Baby glider was involved in an incident near Niederhelfenschwil, Switzerland. The pilot attempted an outlanding due to diminishing thermals and chose a field that was not ideal. During the landing, the glider collided with a fence and a tree, resulting in damage to the aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The incident highlights the challenges of selecting suitable outlanding sites in complex terrain.
- Aerotow cross-country: The pilot departed Winterthur by aerotow for his first solo cross-country flight toward Altenrhein in marginal thermal conditions.
- Thermals fade: Over the Nollen area the already weak thermals abated, leaving the glider without usable lift and forcing the pilot to plan an outlanding.
- Late field selection: Contrary to recommended practice to commit by 300 m AGL, the pilot changed his initially selected outlanding field at about 200 m above ground in an area with few suitable fields.
- Short, obstructed field: The ultimately chosen field near Niederhelfenschwil was short, slightly uphill, had trees and a power line on approach, and a road with fence and trees at the far end, with a moderate tailwind in landing direction.
- Direct low approach: At about 200 m above ground the pilot flew a direct approach over the wooded Eggetsbüel ridge, crossed a high-voltage line at roughly 10 m, and initiated a strong sideslip to lose height.
- Long float in tailwind: Despite the uphill slope, the glider floated low for a long distance in the tailwind and touched down only about 20 m before the road without being fully held off.
- Outlanding - damage: During the ground roll the glider crossed the road, struck a wire fence and then collided with an apple tree, damaging the wings but causing no injuries.