DFS Olympia Meise outlanding near Cugy due to wind turbulence
On May 20, 1962, a DFS Olympia Meise experienced an outlanding near Cugy, Switzerland. The pilot, intending to fly towards Berne, released the tow above Vernand and encountered challenging conditions. After initially gaining altitude, the pilot faced strong downdrafts and wind turbulence, leading to a decision to land in a field. During the final approach, the glider stalled and crashed into a fence. The pilot was unharmed, but the aircraft was destroyed.
- Aerotow cross-country: The pilot aerotowed from Blécherette intending a cross-country flight toward Berne and released over the Vernand forest after initially finding lift.
- Strong sink encountered: While returning toward Blécherette, the glider encountered strong downdrafts and a passing shower near Cugy, rapidly reducing its altitude and making it unlikely to reach the airfield.
- Low height for approach: By the time the pilot selected a sloping field near Cugy for an outlanding, the glider was already low, limiting options for a long, stable final approach over nearby power lines.
- Uncertain wind direction: Local gusty conditions and lack of clear wind indicators made it difficult for the pilot to determine the actual wind direction and strength for the outlanding.
- Tight low-altitude turn: To land uphill and avoid overflying high-tension lines, the pilot flew a tight 270° turn at about 30 m height to align with the chosen field.
- Downwind gust, near stall: During the final turn the glider was likely hit by a tailwind gust, causing an incipient stall close to the ground that the pilot tried to counter by pushing the stick forward but without enough height to recover.
- Crash - no injury: The glider just cleared the first fence but struck the second pasture fence, breaking up on impact while the pilot escaped essentially uninjured.