Ka 8 incident at Hornberg near Saanen due to low speed in alpine conditions
On August 13, 1965, a Ka 8 glider crashed at Hornberg near Saanen, Switzerland, after a flight from Saanen-Gstaad airfield. The pilot, with limited experience in mountainous terrain, encountered a sudden loss of speed and control, causing the aircraft to descend into a group of trees. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the glider was largely destroyed. The investigation concluded that the accident was likely due to the pilot flying too slowly in turbulent conditions.
- Aerotow ridge flight: The pilot aerotowed from Saanen-Gstaad and flew for about 40 minutes ridge soaring along the west face of the Hornberg.
- Low mountain experience: The pilot had only 6:55 hours of total glider time and no prior mountain soaring experience, with limited time on the Ka-8 type.
- Leaving main lift: While attempting to fly around the southern summit toward the east slope, the glider left the main ridge updraft over the gently rising Gfellalp area.
- Slow flight near stall: In an effort to maintain altitude after leaving the main updraft, the pilot allowed the airspeed to approach the stall (abkipp) speed of the Ka-8.
- Bump-induced speed loss: A gust or bump further reduced the already low airspeed, causing the glider to stall and roll off abruptly to the left with loss of control.
- Crash - minor injury: The stalled glider descended in a left turn into a small group of fir trees on the Gfellalp, largely destroying the aircraft and slightly injuring the pilot.