Sequence of Events
On 8 June 2014, around 12:10 local time, a Piper PA-18 aircraft (registration HB-ORV) departed from the Jungfraujoch glacier. The pilot then flew to the Aeschhorn glacier, where he conducted three reconnaissance flights. During a landing on the glacier, the aircraft struck a bump, resulting in a hard touchdown.
Following the hard landing, the pilot attempted to turn left but was unable to do so despite applying full rudder deflection. The aircraft continued downhill, eventually coming to a stop and then began to reverse while the engine was at full power. The pilot shut down the engine and instructed the passenger to exit the aircraft, then evacuated himself. The aircraft subsequently slid downhill and came to rest approximately 200 meters below the landing site.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was operated by Groupement de Vol à Moteur Lausanne. The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1968, held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) with a total of 964 flight hours, including 166 hours on type. The aircraft sustained damage to its airframe. No other property damage was reported. Both the pilot and the passenger were reported as unharmed or slightly injured.
Investigation
This preliminary report is based on available statements and has not been subject to a formal investigation. The accident was classified as a loss of control during the landing phase. The exact cause of the loss of control was not determined in this summary.