Grunau Baby II incident during winch launch at Sisseln Flugplatz
On May 16, 1965, a Grunau Baby II experienced an incident during a winch launch at Sisseln Flugplatz in Switzerland. The flight student lost control of the aircraft during the launch, and the winch cable was released only after the glider had lifted off. The glider then descended steeply to the ground. The student pilot was unharmed, but the aircraft sustained significant damage, estimated at 40% of its value.
- Winch launch ground roll: During the initial ground roll of a winch launch, the student pilot began accelerating in the Grunau Baby II.
- Loss of control on roll: While still on the ground during the winch launch, the student pilot lost control of the glider's attitude and direction.
- Late cable release: The winch cable was not released immediately after control was lost and was only released after the glider had already lifted off.
- Steep descent after lift-off: After lifting off with control already lost and the cable then released, the glider entered a relatively steep descent toward the ground.
- Crash - no injury: The glider impacted the ground steeply, leaving the student pilot uninjured but causing substantial damage to the aircraft (about 40% of its value).