Hütter H-28 incident during outlanding at Eschert after departure from Spreitenbach, 1 injured in collision

On June 12, 1965, the pilot of the Hütter H-28 HB-223 attempted a cross-country flight from Spreitenbach to Chasseral. During the approach for an outlanding near Eschert, the glider encountered downdrafts and was unable to reach a suitable landing area. While attempting to land, the aircraft struck a telephone mast with its left wing, resulting in significant damage to the glider and minor injuries to the pilot. The weather conditions were characterized by a high-pressure system with local winds and light turbulence, which contributed to the pilot's difficulties in finding suitable lift. The investigation concluded that the pilot delayed the decision to land and executed the approach improperly, leading to the collision. Safety recommendations include better training on recognizing landing opportunities and understanding glide performance under adverse conditions.

1. Cross-country cruise: The pilot departed Spreitenbach by aerotow for a cross-country flight toward Chasseral and was cruising along the Jura ridges.
2. Extended downdrafts: While attempting to cross from Mont Raimeux toward Montoz, the glider encountered widespread downdrafts of 2–3 m/s that prevented further progress and eroded altitude.
3. Delayed landing decision: After first selecting a landing field near the Moutier–Gänsbrunnen road, the pilot decided not to use it and continued searching for lift without having other clear landing options in sight.
4. Low, slow final approach: On the eventual outlanding approach over built-up and uneven terrain, the pilot flew a shallow glide without airbrake or sideslip, apparently at too low an airspeed while focusing on minimum sink rather than best glide.
5. Late obstacle recognition: Shortly before an orchard at the edge of the chosen field, the pilot only then noticed an additional power line beyond the trees and pushed the nose down at the last moment to gain speed to clear it.
6. Wing strikes telephone mast: During the low approach over the orchard, the left wing struck a 9 m telephone-line mast about 20 cm below its top, breaking the mast and yawing the glider, which then hit the ground with the right wingtip and nose.
7. Crash - minor injury: The glider came to rest about 20 m beyond the mast under a power line with substantial structural damage, while the pilot sustained minor injuries and nearby telephone infrastructure and vegetation were slightly damaged.