2 fatalities

1987-12-07: Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (HB-LMI) — Businessair — Gaaden, Austria

Gaaden, AustriaFlight

On December 7, 1987, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration HB-LMI) operated by Businessair was involved in an aviation accident near Gaaden, Austria in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The visibility was too low at the time of the accident to attempt a VFR landing at Bad Vöslau Airport that was not equipped with an ILS. According to weather conditions, the pilot should fly directly to Vienna-Schwechat Airport. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781215724Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a hill and crashed in Gaaden during a diversion to Vienna-Schwechat Airport after the pilot failed to locate Bad Vöslau Airport in marginal weather. Both occupants were killed.

Accident

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in Gaaden after striking a hill. The pilot had initiated an approach to Bad Vöslau Airport at dusk under visual flight rules (VFR). Due to marginal weather conditions, the pilot was unable to locate the airport and decided to divert to Vienna-Schwechat Airport. During the diversion, the pilot completed a left turn, passed over Baden, and continued at an altitude of 2,000 feet when the aircraft struck a hill and crashed in Gaaden. Both occupants were killed.

Investigation

The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The findings stated that the visibility was too low at the time of the accident to attempt a VFR landing at Bad Vöslau Airport, which was not equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS). According to the weather conditions, the pilot should have flown directly to Vienna-Schwechat Airport.

Probable Cause

The visibility was too low at the time of the accident to attempt a VFR landing at Bad Vöslau Airport that was not equipped with an ILS. According to weather conditions, the pilot should fly directly to Vienna-Schwechat Airport.