Accident du Spalinger S 18 III lors de l'atterrissage dans des conditions turbulentes à l'aérodrome de Bex

Le 30 mai 1965, un Spalinger S 18 III a eu un accident lors de l'atterrissage à l'aérodrome de Bex en Suisse. Le pilote, effectuant un vol d'entraînement, a rencontré de forts vents de travers et des turbulences à l'approche. Malgré les efforts pour corriger la trajectoire d'atterrissage, le planeur a perdu le contrôle et s'est écrasé sur la piste en herbe. Le pilote est resté indemne, mais le planeur a subi des dommages importants, entraînant une perte totale. Deux autres planeurs ont atterri en toute sécurité peu après l'incident.

1. Aerotow training flight: The pilot departed Bex aerodrome on an aerotow in glider S-18 III HB-487 for an approximately one-hour training flight.
2. Crosswind approach begun: On return to land before an approaching storm, the pilot began a right-hand base leg to runway 33 at about 150 m AGL with airbrakes extended in a strong left crosswind of 30–40 km/h.
3. Strong turbulence: The approach was affected by strong turbulence associated with the changing weather and crosswind, making control more difficult.
4. Low approach speed: During the base-to-final segment the glider was flown too slowly for the turbulent, crosswind conditions.
5. Deviated toward obstacles: Unable to maintain a proper approach path in the crosswind, the glider drifted left toward the edge of the airfield and nearby obstacles.
6. Low turn with airbrakes: At only 3–4 m above the ground, the pilot initiated a right turn with airbrakes still extended to avoid the obstacles, further reducing effective airspeed and lift.
7. Crash - no injury: The glider abruptly rolled off, stalled, and crashed onto the grass runway, heavily damaging the fuselage and right wing while the pilot remained uninjured.