Hütter H-28 Zwischenfall bei Außenlandung in Eschert nach Start in Spreitenbach, 1 Verletzter bei Kollision

Am 12. Juni 1965 wollte der Pilot mit dem Segelflugzeug Hütter H-28 HB-223 einen Streckenflug von Spreitenbach zum Chasseral durchführen. Während des Anflugs geriet er in starke Abwindfelder, was eine Außenlandung in Eschert BE erforderlich machte. Bei der Landung berührte das Flugzeug einen Holzmast einer Telefonleitung und erlitt dabei erhebliche Schäden. Der Pilot zog sich leichte Verletzungen zu, während der Flurschaden minimal blieb. Die Untersuchung ergab, dass der Pilot den Landezeitpunkt hinauszögerte und die Landung nicht optimal ausführte.

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.