Rhönadler 32 structural failure near Madulain results in pilot fatality
On May 31, 1959, a Rhönadler 32 experienced a catastrophic structural failure near Madulain, Switzerland. The glider broke apart in mid-air at approximately 2700 meters altitude, with the wings and fuselage separating and crashing to the ground. The pilot, who was on a solo training flight, was killed in the incident. The investigation suggested that the structural failure was likely due to exceeding the aircraft's load limits at high speed. No eyewitnesses were present to observe the critical moments leading to the breakup.
- Winch launch to cruise: The pilot winch-launched from Samedan at 15:36 in the Rhönadler 32 for a solo training flight after a brief familiarization circuit.
- Limited type familiarity: The pilot had no prior experience with pendulum elevators and only minimal time on single-seat gliders, making him unfamiliar with the aircraft’s very pitch-sensitive handling.
- Structural and info limits: The glider belonged to a low-strength certification group and had a poorly welded wing attachment point, and the pilot had not been briefed on its lower load limits nor consulted the onboard documentation.
- High-speed overloading: While maneuvering near Piz Mezzaun at about 2700 m, the aircraft was subjected to a high-speed maneuver that likely exceeded its permissible load factor.
- In-flight structural breakup: The right lower wing-join fitting failed in tension, leading within fractions of a second to failure of the wing-to-fuselage attachments and torsional breakup of both wing rear spars, separating wings and fuselage.
- No parachute escape: During the subsequent 10–12 second fall from roughly 450–500 m above terrain, the pilot did not attempt or was unable to attempt a parachute jump.
- Crash - fatal: The separated fuselage and wings impacted terrain near Madulain, completely destroying the glider and killing the pilot on impact.