What happened
On October 8, 1978, a pilot operating a Fuji FA-200-180, registration HB-ESY, departed Basel-Mulhouse for a private flight to Samedan. Although the pilot had originally planned to depart earlier in the morning, a prior flight by another club member delayed the departure until 15:10. Because of this delay, the aircraft was not refueled in Basel, leaving the tanks at approximately 60% capacity.
After landing in Samedan, the pilot realized that the remaining daylight would not be sufficient for a return flight before nightfall. Despite the lack of fuel reserves, the pilot decided to proceed with the return leg without refueling, under the mistaken belief that a special permission for a late night arrival in Basel had been obtained. During the flight back, north of Lake Hallwil, the engine began to sputter due to fuel exhaustion.
Seeking an emergency landing at Birrfeld, the pilot struggled with navigation as darkness fell and visibility was reduced by haze. Unable to locate the airfield, the pilot was forced to seek an alternative landing site in the vicinity of Brugg. While attempting an emergency landing in a cornfield, the aircraft struck high-voltage power lines with its right wing. This impact caused the aircraft to veer into a house, resulting in the destruction of the plane and severe injuries to the pilot and three passengers.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel levels and the pilot's flight planning. They determined that the fuel remaining upon departure from Samedan was approximately 53 liters, which was insufficient for the planned flight duration without any safety reserves. The investigation also noted that the pilot lacked an instrument rating and night flying authorization. Furthermore, the airfield at Birrfeld was not equipped with necessary night lighting, which hindered the pilot's attempt to land there.
Findings
- The pilot's flight preparations in both Basel and Samedian were inadequate.
- The pilot failed to account for the fact that the remaining fuel was insufficient for the return journey.
- The pilot underestimated the navigational difficulties posed by the onset of darkness and poor visibility.
- The pilot's limited flight experience contributed to the sequence of events.
- The emergency landing was unsuccessful due to the difficult terrain and the loss of engine power following the total depletion of fuel.