What happened
On 30 March 2022, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registered as D-FLIC, crashed into the northern flank of the Grüehorn in the Säntis massif. The aircraft was performing a private ferry flight from Siegerland Airport, Germany, to Arezzo, Italy, under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
During the cruise phase, the pilot was climbing toward waypoint PELAD after receiving clearance from Zurich Flight Information Centre to climb up to flight level 130. While the aircraft was ascending at an average rate of 550 feet per minute, it struck the terrain at an altitude of 6,800 feet AMSL. The impact, occurring at approximately 167 knots, resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) examined on-site evidence, radar and ADS-B flight path recordings, and radio communications. The investigation also reviewed meteorological data and cockpit photographs sent by the pilot via mobile phone shortly before the accident. These photographs confirmed the aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and showed visible ice on the wing's leading edge. The investigation found no evidence of technical defects in the aircraft or health impairments in the pilot.