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Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu in Zurich: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 10, 1995 at 1649 LT
Operator:
Registration:
HB-PLN
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Bern - Zurich
MSN:
46-08124
YOM:
1988
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
540.00
Circumstances:
Following an uneventful flight from Bern, the pilot started the descent to Zurich-Kloten Airport in relative good weather conditions (scattered 7,000 feet, visibility 5 km, wind from 340° at 4 knots and OAT 20° C). On short final to runway 14, the single engine aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent, struck the ground, lost its left wing and came to rest about 500 metres short of runway threshold. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
It was determined that the loss of control on short final occurred after the pilot suffered a heart attack.
Final Report:
Crash of a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu on Mt Balmfluechöpfli: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 24, 1993 at 1440 LT
Operator:
Registration:
HB-PMA
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Cannes - Grenchen
MSN:
46-08132
YOM:
1988
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
1
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
440.00
Aircraft flight hours:
922
Circumstances:
After passing over the Alps and a layer of stratus over the Plateau, the pilot reached the Willisau VOR where he was cleared to initiate an IFR approach to Grenchen Airport runway 25. He completed a standard turn then followed the 290° radial instead of the published 280° radial. When the DME system indicated 7 NM, the pilot realized he was too far from the normal approach track, disengaged the automatic pilot system and elected to gain altitude. In a flaps down/gear down configuration, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient height and struck, in poor visibility due to thick fog, the wooded slope of Mt Balmfluechöpfli (1,289 metres high) located about 12 km northeast of Grenchen Airport. The aircraft disintegrated on impact and the pilot was killed. The female passenger, slightly injured as she was seating in the seat opposite to the direction of flight, was able to walk away to ask for help.
Probable cause:
The accident was the consequence of the following factors:
- Selection of the radial 290° and engagement thereon instead of the published 280° radial,
- Inappropriate NAV setting,
- Too late and inconsistent throttle reset,
- Difficult IFR approach procedure without radar monitoring of the followed route,
- Too high speed on approach.
- Selection of the radial 290° and engagement thereon instead of the published 280° radial,
- Inappropriate NAV setting,
- Too late and inconsistent throttle reset,
- Difficult IFR approach procedure without radar monitoring of the followed route,
- Too high speed on approach.
Final Report:
Crash of a Partenavia P.68N near Cuneo: 6 killed
Date & Time:
Oct 17, 1986
Operator:
Registration:
HB-LGL
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Ascona - Gerona
MSN:
05
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
5
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Circumstances:
En route from Ascona, Ticino, to Gerona, weather conditions deteriorated. In limited visibility, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was insufficient when the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Bindino located near Cuneo. All six occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain.
