Fatal collision with high-voltage lines near Aigle

Casualties unknown • Aigle, VD, CH

A single-engine Tipsy Nipper crashed into power lines during a night flight, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On November 11, 1969, a Tipsy Nipper Mk II, registration HB-SPD, was engaged in a multi-leg flight across Switzerland. After departing from Bex and visiting Altenrhein and Beromünster, the pilot proceeded to Triengen. Despite being warned by ground personnel about the risks of flying in the current Föhn wind conditions, the pilot departed Triengen at 16:47 local time with the intention of returning to Bex.

As the evening progressed, the aircraft flew toward the Aigle region. Around 17:50, the aircraft was observed at low altitude near the Grand Canal. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the 220 kV Chamoson-Romanel high-voltage power lines. The impact caused the aircraft to strike a transmission tower, resulting in the destruction of the Tipsy Nipper and the death of the pilot.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and the flight path, noting that the aircraft was found embedded in a transmission tower console. The investigation established that the pilot's flight exceeded the legal limits for daytime Visual Flight Rules (VFR). While the pilot was a licensed private pilot, he was not qualified for night operations, and the aircraft lacked the necessary equipment for night VFR.

Analysis of the timeline showed that civil twilight had ended at 17:41 local time. The pilot had passed the Gruyères airfield, a location he had visited recently, but chose to continue the flight into the darkness. Investigators also considered the impact of the Föhn wind, which was producing gusts up to 40 knots at the time of the accident, as a potential factor in the loss of control near the wires.

Findings

The pilot continued the flight well beyond the end of civil twilight.
The aircraft was not equipped for night VFR, and the pilot lacked the necessary night flight qualifications.
There was a significant lack of pre-flight preparation regarding the timing of the flight and the approaching darkness.
The pilot may have been attempting an emergency landing on a nearby illuminated road when the collision occurred.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flying after the end of civil twilight without the required night flight qualifications or appropriate aircraft equipment, compounded by a lack of adequate pre-flight planning.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-11-11 AVIONS FAIREY SA TIPSY T.66 NIPPER MK.2 accident near Aigle, VD, CH?

A single-engine Tipsy Nipper crashed into power lines during a night flight, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-11-11 involved a AVIONS FAIREY SA TIPSY T.66 NIPPER MK.2, registration HB-SPD, at Aigle, VD, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to continue flying after the end of civil twilight without the required night flight qualifications or appropriate aircraft equipment, compounded by a lack of adequate pre-flight planning.

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