7 fatalities

1984-06-27: Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (3G-EI) — Austrian Air Force - Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte — Ferlach-Glainach, Austria

Ferlach-Glainach, AustriaTakeoff (climb)

On June 27, 1984, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration 3G-EI) operated by Austrian Air Force - Österreichische Luftstreitkräfte was involved in an aviation accident near Ferlach-Glainach, Austria during takeoff. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control due to a weight & balance problem related to the center of gravity being out of the envelope. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781219433Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb at 600 meters, a single-engine aircraft nosed down and crashed in a wooded area near Ferlach-Glainach Aerodrome, killing all seven occupants.

The Accident

The aircraft was conducting a skydiving training mission near Ferlach-Glainach Aerodrome in the Austrian state of Carinthia. During the initial climb phase, at a height of approximately 600 meters above ground, the single-engine aircraft pitched nose-down and subsequently crashed in a wooded area. The impact resulted in the deaths of all seven individuals on board.

Occupants

The pilot was identified as Pichler Josef. The passengers included Hoi Peter, Meyerhofer Johann, Schwaiger Alois, Haller Gerhard, and Millinger Isidor, along with one additional occupant. The aircraft was carrying a total of seven people: one crew member and six passengers.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation report, the probable cause of the crash was a loss of control attributable to a weight and balance issue. Specifically, the aircraft's center of gravity was determined to be outside the permissible envelope. This condition is believed to have led to the loss of control and the subsequent nosedive and crash.