11 fatalities

Engine Failure and Crash on Approach to Samedan Airport (D-INAH)

Samedan, SwitzerlandLanding (descent or approach)

On March 6, 1970, a Handley Page H.P.137 Jetstream (registration D-INAH) operated by Bavaria Fluggesellschaft was involved in an aviation accident near Samedan, Switzerland during landing or approach. 11 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Disintegration of the first stage of the turbine caused the overheat and the explosion of the left engine on final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

On final approach to Samedan Airport, the left engine failed and caught fire, causing the aircraft to lose speed and height, strike power cables, and crash in a snow-covered field. All 11 occupants were killed.

Incident Overview

A charter flight operating from Munich-Riem to Samedan Airport experienced a catastrophic left engine failure during the final approach phase. The engine failed and subsequently caught fire, leading to a rapid loss of airspeed and altitude. The aircraft struck power cables before crashing in a snow-covered field located 3 kilometers short of the runway and 500 meters to the right of its extended centerline. The impact and resulting fire completely destroyed the aircraft.

Occupants and Fatalities

The aircraft carried 11 occupants, including six children and Max Schwabe, the founder of Bavaria. All 11 individuals on board were killed in the accident.

Official Findings

The investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be the disintegration of the first stage of the turbine, which led to overheating and an explosion of the left engine on final approach.