Accident Overview
On Thursday, 25 May 1972, at approximately 1201 hours local time, an AS 202 'Bravo' HB-HEA operated by Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke AG Altenrhein (FFA) crashed on Bern Airport after performing a demonstration flight. The pilot and a potential customer on board were killed. The aircraft was destroyed.
Flight History
The pilot had been conducting customer demonstration flights during an air show at Bern-Belp Airport from 24 to 28 May. On the day of the accident, he filed a flight plan indicating he would perform a low pass and other maneuvers. He took off at 1157 hours with a passenger who was a potential buyer. After takeoff, the aircraft circled west of the runway and climbed to about 400 meters above ground. The pilot requested and received clearance from the tower to fly a low pass and complete his planned program.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft descended steeply toward the runway threshold, crossing it at high speed at an estimated height of 3–15 meters. Approximately halfway down the runway, the aircraft was pulled abruptly into a steep climb, eventually reaching a vertical attitude. At low speed, the aircraft yawed left and then entered a spin. After about 1–1.5 rotations, it struck the ground 140 meters west of runway 32, about 350 meters from the runway threshold.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was an AS 202 'Bravo', a single-engine, two-seat low-wing monoplane (prototype) with a fixed tricycle landing gear. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-F2A engine rated at 150 horsepower. The aircraft had a provisional airworthiness certificate valid for test flights, extended to cover customer and demonstration flights. Total airframe and engine time was 402 hours.
The pilot, born 1947, held a limited commercial pilot license with a rating for single-engine aircraft up to 2500 kg. His total flight experience was 117 hours with 762 landings, including 7 hours on the accident type. He had not received aerobatic training. The passenger, born 1929, held a private pilot license and was not trained in aerobatics.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the weather was characterized by scattered clouds, 20 km visibility, and surface wind from 300° at 14 knots. Moderate turbulence was reported. A storm warning had been issued earlier, and wind shear was possible at low altitude.
Investigation Findings
The investigation established that the pilot had not been trained in aerobatics. The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within normal flight limits. The aircraft was not equipped with a flight data recorder.
Probable Cause
The official report stated: "The accident was probably caused by stalling below minimum flight speed during an extreme maneuver at low altitude above ground, combined with insufficient pilot training."