2 fatalities

Two Killed in Sion Airport Approach Crash (D-IHRK)

Sion, SwitzerlandLanding (descent or approach)

On April 11, 1980, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration D-IHRK) operated by Wekos Schrotthandels was involved in an aviation accident near Sion, Switzerland during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine was running abnormally fast at impact while the right engine was idle; no technical issues were found. The pilot unintentionally shut off fuel to the right engine during the approach, causing instability that the pilot could not correct. 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

On final approach to Sion Airport, an airplane entered uncontrolled flight, crashed on a city road, killing both occupants. Official findings attributed the accident to pilot error in fuel management.

Occurrence

During final approach to Sion Airport's runway 26, the pilot maintained radio contact with air traffic control, and all appeared normal onboard. At low altitude and low speed, the airplane banked left, then right, before losing control and crashing in flames on a road in the city center. The aircraft and several cars were destroyed, and a few buildings sustained damage. Both occupants were killed, while no one on the ground was injured.

Investigation

The official investigation determined that the left engine was running abnormally fast at the time of impact, whereas the right engine was at idle. No technical issues were found with the engines.

Probable Cause

Investigators concluded that the pilot likely made a mistake during the approach by unintentionally shutting off the fuel supply to the right engine. This action caused the aircraft to become unstable, and the pilot was unable to correct the situation, leading to the loss of control and subsequent crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Apr 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Sion, Switzerland?

On final approach to Sion Airport, an airplane entered uncontrolled flight, crashed on a city road, killing both occupants. Official findings attributed the accident to pilot error in fuel management.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Apr 1980 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Apr 1980 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration D-IHRK, operated by Wekos Schrotthandels, at Sion, Switzerland.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left engine was running abnormally fast at impact while the right engine was idle; no technical issues were found. The pilot unintentionally shut off fuel to the right engine during the approach, causing instability that the pilot could not correct.