Ka-2b incident during aerotow at Spreitenbach airfield results in hard landing

On June 1, 1963, an Alexander Schleicher Ka-2b experienced difficulties during an aerotow launch from Spreitenbach airfield in Switzerland. The glider encountered significant altitude deviations, preventing it from maintaining a stable tow with the De Havilland Chipmunk tug aircraft. The pilot released from the tow at approximately 30 meters altitude and made a hard landing on an open field, resulting in damage to the fuselage. The pilot suffered minor injuries, while the passenger was unharmed. The investigation found no technical defects in the glider.

1. Aerotow initial climb: The Ka-2b glider with a passenger began a normal aerotow takeoff and initial climb behind a Chipmunk tug from Spreitenbach airfield with nose-heavy trim set.
2. Uncontrolled height deviations: Shortly after liftoff at about 10 m AGL the glider began to make strong altitude deviations relative to the tug, including pronounced over- and under-height positions that the pilot could not stabilize with elevator inputs.
3. Low tow energy: The glider’s large height excursions in turbulent conditions caused excessive drag and energy loss, preventing the tow combination from gaining normal speed and climb performance.
4. Tow release at low height: Recognizing the situation as critical and believing there might be an elevator fault, the glider pilot released from tow at about 30 m AGL during a right turn in front of Dietikon.
5. Insufficient speed and height: After release the pilot rolled wings level and aimed for a nearby field but did not have enough altitude and airspeed to establish a proper glide, leading to an increasingly steep, stalled descent.
6. Crash - minor injury: The glider struck the field hard in an over‑stalled attitude beside a power line, damaging the fuselage and control system and causing minor back injuries to the pilot while the passenger remained unhurt.