On December 14, 2008, a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) (registration N403HP) operated by Vector Sky Service was involved in an aviation accident near Bad Vöslau, Austria during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot encountered heavy fog during the approach, leading to an impact with trees. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A solo pilot was killed when their aircraft crashed into a wooded area during an approach to an Austrian airfield due to heavy fog.
What happened
A flight originating from Shoreham was en route to Hungary, with a scheduled stop at Bad Vöslau Airport in Austria to collect a passenger. While attempting to land at the intermediate destination, the pilot encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by fog. During the approach phase, the aircraft struck trees and came to rest in a forested area located near the airport perimeter.
Findings
The accident occurred during the approach to the airfield.
Poor visibility resulting from fog was the primary factor during the flight's final moments.
There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board the aircraft at the time of the impact.
Probable cause
The pilot encountered heavy fog during the approach, leading to an impact with trees.
