Ka 8 collision with terrain during landing at Schänis airfield

On May 15, 1965, an Alexander Schleicher Ka 8 experienced an incident at Schänis airfield in Switzerland. The pilot was returning from a duration flight when the aircraft encountered increasing winds. During the final approach, the pilot lost too much altitude and was unable to reach the airfield. The glider collided with a terrain obstacle, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilot was unharmed.

1. Return from duration flight: The Ka-8 HB-616 was returning from a duration flight to land at Schänis airfield.
2. Increasing wind: During the return and approach, the wind strength increased compared to earlier in the flight.
3. Wind effect misjudged: The pilot did not adequately account for the strengthening wind when planning the approach.
4. Excess height lost: In the final approach the pilot dissipated too much altitude, leaving insufficient height to reach the intended landing area.
5. Could not reach field: Because of the excessive height loss, the glider was unable to reach the airfield boundary and descended short of the runway.
6. Crash - no injury: The glider collided with a terrain obstacle short of the airfield, causing substantial damage but no injury to the pilot.