On August 28, 1972, a Learjet 23 (registration HB-VAM) operated by Vodavia was involved in an aviation accident near Innsbruck, Austria during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck terrain because the crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during an approach in low-visibility conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
Aircraft registered HB-VAM. Photo: Clive R Martin from Addlestone Surrey, England / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An aircraft crashed into a mountain near Innsbruck following a low-altitude approach in poor visibility, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
What happened
During an approach to Innsbruck-Kranebitten Airport, an unidentified aircraft encountered conditions of restricted visibility. While maneuvering for landing, the flight crew did not maintain a sufficient altitude above the surrounding terrain. As a result, the plane collided with trees and crashed into a mountain situated a short distance from the airfield.
The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both the pilot and the co-pilot were killed in the crash.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was controlled flight into terrain. The crew's inability to recognize their low altitude during the approach in limited visibility led directly to the collision with the mountain landscape.
Probable cause
The aircraft struck terrain because the crew failed to maintain a safe altitude during an approach in low-visibility conditions.
