1 fatality

1986-02-07: Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (F-BIEL) — Air Savoie — Usillon, France

Usillon, FranceFlight

On February 7, 1986, a Pilatus PC-6 (Porter & Turbo Porter) (registration F-BIEL) operated by Air Savoie was involved in an aviation accident near Usillon, France in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft struck a mountainside while operating in unfavorable weather conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781217671Data APIEditorial standards

A solo pilot was killed when their single-engine aircraft struck a mountainside during a positioning flight near the Plateau des Glières.

What happened

A positioning flight departing from Courchevel Altiport, destined for Geneva-Cointrin Airport, ended in a fatal accident near the Usillon region. The aircraft, operated by a single pilot, was flying alone at the time of the incident.

While navigating the route, the aircraft encountered adverse weather conditions. During this period of poor visibility or difficult weather, the single engine plane collided with a mountain slope situated in the vicinity of the Plateau des Glières. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot, who was the only person on board.

Findings

  • The flight was being conducted as a positioning maneuver between Courchevel and Geneva.
  • The accident occurred during the en route phase of the flight.
  • Poor weather conditions were present at the time of the mountain strike.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountainside while operating in unfavorable weather conditions.