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1989-12-27: Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (9H-ABN) — Eagle Aviation - Malta — Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland

Zurich-Kloten, SwitzerlandLanding (descent or approach)

On December 27, 1989, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration 9H-ABN) operated by Eagle Aviation - Malta was involved in an aviation accident near Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the accident was the consequence of an aircraft that, while flying in cat I weather conditions, entered an excessive nose-down and unstabilized attitude while passing from IFR to VFR mode until it struck the ground before runway… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781213366Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a training flight from Malta to Zurich crashed 1,500 meters short of runway 14 during an ILS approach, resulting in serious injuries to both occupants. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Accident Overview

On an ILS approach to Zurich-Kloten Airport runway 14, a twin-engine aircraft deviated from the glide path at an altitude of 600 meters. The aircraft then entered a flat attitude followed by a rapid descent, crashing 1,500 meters short of the runway. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair, and both occupants sustained serious injuries.

Flight Details

The flight was a training mission originating from Malta, with a destination of Zurich and a return leg. Intermediate stops were planned in Rome and Basel. The accident occurred during the approach phase to Zurich-Kloten.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident resulted from the aircraft, while flying in Category I weather conditions, entering an excessive nose-down and unstabilized attitude while transitioning from IFR to VFR mode, ultimately striking the ground before the runway threshold. Possible contributory factors include the pilot experiencing an optical illusion and frost covering the windshield, which reduced visibility.

Probable cause

It was determined that the accident was the consequence of an aircraft that, while flying in cat I weather conditions, entered an excessive nose-down and unstabilized attitude while passing from IFR to VFR mode until it struck the ground before runway threshold. It is possible that the pilot suffered an optical illusion, which would remain a contributory factor as well as the fact that the windshield was covered by frost, reducing the pilot visibility.

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