Country
code
Bern
Crash of a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H2 Turbo Porter in Boltigen: 5 killed
Date & Time:
Nov 12, 1997 at 1440 LT
Operator:
Registration:
V-630
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Payerne - Sankt Stephan
MSN:
747
YOM:
1975
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
4
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
5
Circumstances:
Taking part to a military exercise, the single engine aircraft departed Payerne AFB on a liaison flight to Sankt Stephan, Bern. While descending to Sankt Stephan Airfield in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft struck the ground and came to rest against a tall tree located in a hilly terrain near Boltigen, about 14 km north of the Sankt Stephan Airfield. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all five occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled flight into terrain. No technical anomalies were found on the aircraft.
Crash of a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H2M-1 Turbo Porter on Mt Finsteraarhorn: 3 killed
Date & Time:
Apr 27, 1993 at 0901 LT
Operator:
Registration:
V-621
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Buochs - Sion
MSN:
647
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
3
Circumstances:
The single engine aircraft was completing a flight from Buochs AFB to Sion, carrying to employees of the Federal Military Department and one pilot. While approaching the Finsteraarhorn mountain, the pilot encountered atmospheric turbulences and severe downdrafts when the aircraft went out of control and crashed on the mountain. All three occupants were killed.
Probable cause:
Loss of control caused by severe atmospheric turbulences and downdrafts caused by foehn wind.
