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Twin-Engine Aircraft Strikes Mount Fleckistock During VFR Flight in Clouds (D-IORA)

Mt Fleckistock, SwitzerlandFlight

On March 31, 1979, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration D-IORA) operated by Patzig Fleischwaren was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Fleckistock, Switzerland in flight. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew was flying at an altitude that failed to provide a sufficient vertical separation with the upper limit of the clouds and failed to see and avoid the mountains while flying under VFR mode in clouds. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on a VFR flight from Ascona to Saarbrücken struck Mount Fleckistock while cruising in clouds and crashed. Wreckage found two days later; three bodies recovered, one pilot missing.

Accident Flight

A twin-engine airplane departed Ascona Airfield at 1628 local time on a private flight to Saarbrücken, carrying two passengers and two pilots. The crew filed a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan despite marginal weather conditions. Twelve minutes later, after a normal climb, the aircraft leveled off at 11,000 feet.

Collision and Crash

While cruising in clouds, the crew did not realize that the altitude was insufficient. The right wing struck the west face of Mount Fleckistock, which has an elevation of 3,417 meters and is located west of Wassen, Uri. The aircraft went out of control and descended until it crashed in a snow-covered area.

Aftermath

The wreckage was discovered two days later, on April 2. The aircraft was destroyed. Three bodies were recovered; the body of one pilot was never found.

Probable Cause

The official investigation stated that the crew was flying at an altitude that failed to provide a sufficient vertical separation with the upper limit of the clouds and failed to see and avoid the mountains while flying under VFR mode in clouds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1979 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Mt Fleckistock, Switzerland?

A twin-engine airplane on a VFR flight from Ascona to Saarbrücken struck Mount Fleckistock while cruising in clouds and crashed. Wreckage found two days later; three bodies recovered, one pilot missing.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 1979 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 4 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1979 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration D-IORA, operated by Patzig Fleischwaren, at Mt Fleckistock, Switzerland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew was flying at an altitude that failed to provide a sufficient vertical separation with the upper limit of the clouds and failed to see and avoid the mountains while flying under VFR mode in clouds.

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