What happened
On April 2, 2004, at approximately 09:30 UTC, a Cessna 182Q crashed into the Kalcherkogel mountain in the municipality of Pack, Styria. The aircraft had departed from Zell am See (LOWZ) for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Graz (LOWG) with four occupants on board: the pilot, a licensed pilot acting as a passenger, and two children.
During the flight, weather conditions were characterized by low cloud ceilings and restricted visibility. A witness reported observing the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, just above the treetops, before hearing a dull impact against an ascending slope. Following the loss of radar contact, a coordinated search operation involving emergency services, mountain rescue, and local fire departments was launched. The wreckage was eventually located at the peak of the Kalermkogel.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Austrian Federal Safety Investigation Board (SUB). Due to the deteriorating weather, investigators were unable to examine the wreckage until the following day. The investigation focused on reconstructing the flight path through witness statements and official records from the police and aviation authorities. The investigation also included a technical examination of the aircraft's remains.
Findings
- The investigation established that there was no technical failure of the aircraft.
- The primary cause of the accident was the continuation of VFR flight under insufficient visibility and poor weather conditions.
- The aircraft struck several trees while flying at low altitude, which ultimately led to the impact with the terrain.
- The accident resulted in four fatalities (the pilot and three passengers).