On June 11, 1952, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration HB-OPI) operated by Club d'Aviation de Neuchâtel was involved in an aviation accident near Lausanne-Blécherette, Switzerland during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft collided with a crane during its final approach, leading to a fatal crash into a building. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A single-engine aircraft crashed into a residential building after striking a crane during its final approach in the Lausanne region.
What happened
During a local flight conducted over the Lausanne area, a single engine airplane was performing its final approach when it collided with a crane. Following the impact with the structure, the aircraft descended into a house, where an intense fire broke out upon impact.
There were three people on board at the time of the accident: the pilot and two passengers. The collision resulted in two fatalities, which included the pilot. One passenger sustained serious injuries during the crash; however, that individual succumbed to their wounds the following day.
Findings
The aircraft struck a crane while in the final approach phase of flight.
The subsequent impact with a residential structure led to a post-crash fire.
Probable cause
The aircraft collided with a crane during its final approach, leading to a fatal crash into a building.