Aircraft accident near Pont-en-Ogoz involving single-engine plane

2 fatalities • Pont-en-Ogoz, Switzerland • Flight

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a forest near Pont-en-Ogoz after encountering low visibility during a flight from Colombier Airport.

What happened

A flight originating from Beromünster proceeded without incident until arriving at Colombier Airport. At this location, a group of 17 skydivers boarded the single engine aircraft for a scheduled jump flight toward Ecuvillente. While traversing the Gruyere area, the 17 passengers performed their jumps as planned.

During the subsequent descent toward Ecuvillens, the aircraft entered an area characterized by poor weather. The pilot encountered stratus clouds reaching altitudes of 1,060 metres, which significantly restricted visibility. While attempting to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) despite the presence of Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), the aircraft struck trees and crashed into the Gibloux forest near Pont-en-Ogoz. The impact and a subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the plane. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities, involving the pilot and one female passenger.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating under VFR in IMC conditions during the period of the accident.
  • Low visibility caused by stratus clouds was present at the time of the collision.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to fly under visual flight rules while encountering clouds and limited visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-09-21 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident near Pont-en-Ogoz, Switzerland?

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a forest near Pont-en-Ogoz after encountering low visibility during a flight from Colombier Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-09-21 PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-09-21 involved a PAC 750XL - Pacific Aerospace Corporation, registration ZK-JPP, operated by Paravia, at Pont-en-Ogoz, Switzerland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to fly under visual flight rules while encountering clouds and limited visibility.

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