What happened
On the early morning of September 17, 1973, a Jodel DR 1050, registration HB-EBR, departed Sion for a planned VFR flight to Kägiswil. The flight began in darkness between 05:10 and 05:15. While the aircraft was initially observed flying above a fog layer near Sarnen, visibility significantly deteriorated as the aircraft approached the destination.
Around 06:00, witnesses observed the aircraft emerging from the fog at a very low altitude above the runway. During the final approach to runway 21, the aircraft was seen in a left-hand turn in a descending flight with the nose pointed downward. The aircraft struck the ground approximately 60 meters from the start of runway 21 with a heavy left wing tilt and high sink rate. The impact caused the aircraft to spin and slide across the runway, resulting in the total destruction of the Jodel DR 1050 and the death of the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the meteorological environment at the time of the accident. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with no evidence of mechanical failure or pre-existing technical defects. The engine and flight controls were functional, and the fuel levels were sufficient, providing a reserve of over three hours. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with an artificial horizon or a gyro compass.
Meteorological data indicated a thick, compact fog layer covered the Kägiswil area, with horizontal visibility estimated between 150 and 300 meters and vertical visibility as low as 0 to 30 meters. The pilot had previously inquired about weather conditions in another region earlier that morning, confirming awareness of fog in the area.
Findings
- The pilot attempted a VFR landing approach under IMC-conditions (Instrument Meteorological Conditions).
- The final turn for the approach to runway 2ical was performed without sufficient ground visibility.
- The aircraft entered an uncontrolled flight state and stalled during the maneuver.
- The pilot had the opportunity to divert to airports with better weather, such as Thun or Bern, or return to Sion, but chose to proceed to Kägiswil.
- The aircraft was not authorized for night or instrument flight.