5 fatalities

2000-08-24: Cessna 340 (D-ICEN) — Private Germany — Klöntal, Switzerland

Klöntal, SwitzerlandFlight

On August 24, 2000, a Cessna 340 (registration D-ICEN) operated by Private Germany was involved in an aviation accident near Klöntal, Switzerland in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation and planning; the pilot's decision to continue under VFR mode in IMC conditions without appropriate training; loss of control by the pilot in IMC conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781203280Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a private flight from Albenga to Stuttgart crashed into a mountain near Klöntal after losing control in deteriorating weather. All five occupants were killed.

Flight Details

The twin-engine aircraft departed Albenga Airport on a private flight bound for Stuttgart, Germany, with four passengers and one pilot on board.

Accident Sequence

While cruising over the Swiss Alps, the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather conditions, including thunderstorm activity and turbulence. The pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a dive and struck the slope of a mountain near Klöntal.

Wreckage and Casualties

The aircraft disintegrated upon impact. All five occupants were killed. The wreckage was located at an altitude of 1,800 metres.

Official Findings

The investigation identified several findings related to the probable cause: poor flight preparation and planning; the pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without appropriate training; and loss of control by the pilot while operating in IMC conditions.