Ka 8 lands short of runway in rain at Langenthal Flugplatz, no injuries

On April 9, 1965, an Alexander Schleicher Ka 8 B experienced a landing incident at Langenthal Flugplatz in Switzerland. During the approach, the pilot misjudged altitude while flying through a rain shower, resulting in the glider landing in unsuitable terrain before reaching the runway. The pilot was unharmed, but the aircraft sustained significant damage, estimated at 20-25% of its value. The official investigation confirmed these findings, with no injuries reported.

1. Approach and landing: During the landing approach to Langenthal Flugplatz, the glider was on final to the runway.
2. Rain shower present: A rain shower was present in the approach path, reducing visual cues for judging height.
3. Altitude misjudged: While flying through the rain shower, the pilot misjudged the glider’s altitude during the approach.
4. Short of runway: Because of the altitude misjudgment, the glider descended to ground level before reaching the runway and touched down short in unsuitable terrain.
5. Outlanding - damage: The glider landed in unsuitable terrain before the runway, was heavily damaged (about 20–25% of its value), and the pilot was uninjured.