What happened
During a military training exercise, a single-engine aircraft departed from Payerne Air Force Base, performing a liaison mission destined for Sankt Stephan in the canton of Bern. As the aircraft was descending toward the Sankt Stephan Airfield, it encountered marginal weather conditions. During this phase of flight, the aircraft struck the ground in a hilly region situated approximately 14 km north of its intended destination, near Boltigen.
Upon impact, the aircraft collided with a large tree. The force of the collision, followed by a post-crash fire, resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were five fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.
Findings
- The accident occurred during a descent in marginal weather conditions.
- The aircraft struck the ground and a tall tree in hilly terrain.