Chipmunk and Mucha collision on ground at Spreitenbach airfield

On August 13, 1961, a De Havilland Chipmunk collided with a Mucha glider at Spreitenbach airfield, Switzerland. The incident occurred when the Chipmunk, piloted solo, deviated from the prescribed takeoff direction and collided with the recently landed Mucha glider. No injuries were reported, but the Mucha was destroyed, and the Chipmunk sustained significant damage. The official investigation attributed the incident to the pilot's disregard for airfield regulations and lack of attention.

1. Self-launch ground roll: After completing four aerotows and with glider operations ended, the Chipmunk pilot began a solo self-launch ground roll from the northwest corner of Spreitenbach airfield on a non-standard heading toward the hangar.
2. Improper high-speed taxi: Instead of using the prescribed 100° takeoff direction and properly ensuring the path was clear, the pilot taxied or accelerated the Chipmunk in a semi-flying, tail-low attitude toward the hangar across the grass area where a Mucha glider had just landed.
3. Failure to check traffic: Before accelerating, the pilot did not verify that his chosen path was free of obstacles or other aircraft and did not detect the recently landed Mucha glider on the same grass area.
4. Late abort attempt: The pilot reported that he first saw the glider when the Chipmunk’s tail came up, then reduced power and applied brakes to abort, but by his account had only about 50 meters remaining to stop.
5. Ground run into glider: After briefly lifting off to about 2 m in a tail-low attitude and then touching down again, the Chipmunk continued forward and closed the remaining distance to the stationary Mucha glider.
6. Crash - no injury: The Chipmunk collided with the Mucha glider on the airfield, destroying the glider and damaging the Chipmunk but causing no injuries to either pilot.