Aircraft crash during night approach at Zurich-Kloten Airport

1 fatality • Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland • Landing (descent or approach)

A dual engine failure during a night approach led to a fatal crash into residential buildings near Zurich-Kloten Airport.

What happened

During a scheduled flight originating in Colmar with a planned stop in Basel, the aircraft was performing a night approach to runway 28 at Zurich-Kloten Airport. During this phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of power in both engines.

Following the engine failure, the aircraft descended rapidly and collided with a three-story structure. The momentum of the impact caused the aircraft to strike a second, two-story building located a short distance away.

Findings

  • The incident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury among the crew.
  • The primary factor in the crash was the simultaneous loss of power in both engines during the approach phase.

Probable cause

The simultaneous failure of both engines during the final approach to the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-10 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident near Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland?

A dual engine failure during a night approach led to a fatal crash into residential buildings near Zurich-Kloten Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-04-10 Cessna 414 Chancellor accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-10 involved a Cessna 414 Chancellor, registration HB-LPN, operated by Air Turicum, at Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The simultaneous failure of both engines during the final approach to the runway.

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