What happened
During a local flight departing from Samedan Airport runway 03, a single-engine aircraft experienced a loss of power while climbing to an altitude of 125 metres. The flight was operated with one pilot/instructor and two passengers on board.
Following the engine failure, the pilot attempted an immediate 18-degree turn to align with runway 21 for an emergency landing. During this maneuver, while maintaining a speed of 140 km/h, the aircraft made contact with treetops. The impact caused the plane to crash in an inverted position on the right side of the runway.
Investigators located the wreckage approximately 350 metres beyond the runway threshold and 20 metres to the right of the centerline. Although the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair, all three occupants managed to exit the wreckage uninjured.
Findings
- The primary factor in the accident was the engine failure occurring during the initial climb phase.