Accident Summary
On 26 August 2024, a Beechcraft 58TC Baron aircraft crashed on the western slope of the Mottakopf mountain near Brand, Vorarlberg, Austria. The accident occurred at approximately 08:05 UTC. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact.
Flight History
The aircraft departed from Riviera Airport (LIMG) in Italy, bound for Straubing Airfield (EDMS) in Germany, operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) in a non-commercial capacity. At 07:59:44 UTC, the pilot contacted SWISS RADAR and requested a lower altitude, stating "request lower to avoid oxygen problems." Shortly thereafter, radio contact was lost. The aircraft subsequently entered a steep spiral descent and impacted terrain at an elevation of approximately 1,650 meters.
Location and Wreckage
The crash site was located at coordinates N47°5’19.29872" E009°42’41.21654" on the west side of the Mottakopf. The aircraft came to rest in steep, mountainous terrain. The wreckage was spread over a confined area, consistent with a high-energy impact.
Investigation
The Safety Investigation Board of the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) – Civil Aviation Division was notified of the accident at 08:20 UTC on the same day by the Rescue Coordination Centre of Austro Control GmbH. An investigation was initiated in accordance with EU Regulation No. 996/2010. The aircraft, a US-registered Beechcraft 58TC Baron (registration not specified in the report), was examined on site. No further details regarding the cause have been released at this stage.