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Accident During VFR Approach in Deteriorating Weather at Samedan (HB-VCG)

Samedan, SwitzerlandLanding (descent or approach)

On February 20, 1972, a Dassault Falcon 20 (registration HB-VCG) operated by Fred-Air was involved in an aviation accident near Samedan, Switzerland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who failed to take into consideration the weather deterioration. At the time of the accident, the approach speed was too high while the altitude was too low. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crash landed on Lake Silvaplana during a VFR approach to Samedan Airport in snow and low visibility. The right wing struck the icy water, leading to a hard landing and slide. All five occupants were injured; the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

While descending to Samedan Airport, the weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. Despite the worsening situation, the captain decided to continue the approach under visual flight rules (VFR). Visibility was limited to 2 kilometers in snowfall. The pilot-in-command flew over Lake Silvaplana at low altitude and initiated a right turn, during which the right wing tip struck the icy water surface. The aircraft crash landed and slid for approximately 200 meters before coming to rest. All five occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was written off.

Investigation Findings

The investigation identified poor flight preparation on the part of the flight crew, who failed to take into consideration the weather deterioration. At the time of the accident, the approach speed was too high while the altitude was too low. The pilot-in-command decided to continue the approach under VFR mode in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Probable cause

Poor flight preparation on part of the flying crew who failed to take into consideration the weather deterioration. At the time of the accident, the approach speed was too high while the altitude was too low. It was determined that the pilot-in-command took the decision to continue the approach under VFR mode in IMC conditions.

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