Accident Details
At 1720 local time, a single-engine airplane departed Samedan Airport Runway 03 on a private VFR flight to Roskilde. On board were a pilot and two passengers. After approximately two minutes of straight-in climb, while flying over La Punt-Chamues-ch, the pilot initiated a left turn to enter the Albula Valley. During the turn, the pilot lost control of the aircraft, which crashed near houses and burst into flames. The wreckage came to rest about 6 kilometers northeast of the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed by the post-crash fire, and all three occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that, given the aircraft's performance and prevailing weather conditions, it should have reached a maximum altitude of 7,700 feet after about two minutes of flight. However, upon takeoff, the aircraft's total weight exceeded its maximum permissible weight by 5%, and its center of gravity was beyond the aft limit specified in the pilot's operating handbook (POH). Additionally, during refueling, a fuel leak occurred at the wing overflow valves. The leak persisted during taxi to the runway, and the pilot was alerted by flight information services. It ceased before the aircraft reached the threshold of Runway 03.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause identified that the aircraft's takeoff weight exceeded the maximum permissible by 5% and the center of gravity was beyond the aft limit. Also noted was a fuel leak from the wing overflow valves during refueling and taxi, which stopped before departure. These factors were considered in relation to the aircraft's performance capabilities and weather conditions at the time of the accident.