What happened
Following maintenance performed at Basel Airport, which included the replacement of both propellers, a test flight was organized for September 3. The flight was necessary because unfavorable weather conditions on the previous day had prevented the pilot from verifying the propeller changes.
After departing from Zurich-Kloten Airport runway 28, the pilot proceeded eastward and received clearance to climb to FL130 to perform the required testing. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, the pilot notified air traffic control of his intention to shut down the right engine. This action caused the aircraft type to lose airspeed and altitude, leading to a deviation from the intended flight path. Although the pilot successfully restarted the right engine and stabilized the aircraft, he notified controllers three minutes later that he would perform a second shutdown of the same engine.
Following this second engine shutdown, the aircraft entered a right-hand turn and began a rapid descent. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a wooded area and caught fire. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft type and the death of the pilot, who was the only person on board.
Findings
- The flight was being conducted specifically to test newly installed propellers.
- Repeated engine shutdowns during the flight procedure led to a loss of control and subsequent impact.