4 fatalities

1967-02-10: Convair CV-440 Metropolitan (HB-IMF) — Swissair — Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland

Zurich-Kloten, SwitzerlandTakeoff (climb)

On February 10, 1967, a Convair CV-440 Metropolitan (registration HB-IMF) operated by Swissair was involved in an aviation accident near Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland during takeoff. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor decided to turn right after rotation instead of following published left-turn procedures. The reason could not be determined. Insufficient height caused the aircraft to strike tree tops, stall, and crash. 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 1781240343Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight from Zurich-Kloten crashed in Regensberg after the instructor made an unauthorized right turn, striking tree tops and stalling. All four crew members were killed.

Accident Sequence

At 0743 local time, a training aircraft departed Zurich-Kloten's runway 28 on a local training mission. The crew consisted of an instructor and three student pilots. During the initial climb, the instructor made a slight turn to the right and continued flying at low altitude. The aircraft subsequently contacted tree tops, stalled, and crashed in a wooded area in Regensberg, approximately 8 km northwest of the airport. The debris field extended over more than 200 meters. All four crew members were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the instructor decided to turn right after rotation instead of following the published procedures, which required a left turn. The reason for this decision could not be determined. Due to insufficient height, the aircraft struck tree tops, causing a stall and subsequent crash into a dense wooded area. The lack of visibility caused by foggy conditions was considered a contributing factor.

Probable cause

The instructor decided to turn right after rotation instead of following published left-turn procedures. The reason could not be determined. Insufficient height caused the aircraft to strike tree tops, stall, and crash. Lack of visibility due to fog contributed.