Ka 2b Kollision mit Bäumen während Windenstart auf dem Flugplatz Samedan

Am 16. September 1964 stürzte ein Ka 2b Segelflugzeug kurz nach einem Windenstart auf dem Flugplatz Samedan in der Schweiz ab. Der 1929 geborene Pilot begann einen Flug entlang des Muottas-Muragl-Grats, kollidierte jedoch aufgrund unzureichender Höhe mit Baumkronen. Das Segelflugzeug wurde schwer beschädigt, und der Pilot erlitt erhebliche Verletzungen. Die offizielle Untersuchung ergab, dass der Pilot in eine turbulente Abwindzone in niedriger Höhe flog, was zur Kollision führte.

1. Winch launch climb: During the winch launch from Samedan, the Ka 2b climbed too shallowly after liftoff, leading to an unusually high airspeed and reduced winch power.
2. Low release altitude: The pilot released from the winch at only about 200–250 m above ground, roughly half the normal height for the prevailing wind conditions.
3. Limited winch experience: The pilot had not previously winch-launched the Ka 2b and had very limited and outdated winch-launch experience overall, reducing his familiarity with required climb profile and usable release height.
4. Turbulent ridge winds: Moderate southwesterly wind around 15–20 kt at the Muottas-Muragl slope produced hang turbulence and local downdrafts near the treeline.
5. Continued to ridge low: Despite recognizing the low release height, the pilot chose not to fly a circuit to land but instead turned toward the Muottas-Muragl slope and continued along the trees at slowly decreasing altitude.
6. Sink in lee turbulence: While flying close above the treetops near the Muottas-Muragl railway, the glider entered lee turbulence and downdraft, lost its remaining height margin, and likely sank further as the pilot pulled to arrest the descent.
7. Crash - serious injury: The left wing struck several treetops, tearing off about one-third of the wing, and the glider fell roughly 40 m to the ground near the Muragl stream, seriously injuring the pilot and almost completely destroying the aircraft.