What happened
On July 18, 2021, a Mooney M20J, registration D-EMPE, crashed into terrain near the Pizzo Centrale in the Gotthard Massif, Switzerland. The flight originated from Donaueschingen-Villingen, Germany, with the intended destination of Locarno, Switzerland.
During the flight, the pilot encountered increasingly restrictive weather conditions. While flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the aircraft climbed through a thick cloud layer. Seeking better visibility, the pilot diverted into the Guspistal valley. During a right-hand turn toward the Gloggentürmli ridge, the aircraft entered a sudden, steep descent of up to 3,000 feet per minute, striking the terrain at approximately 8,900 feet AMSL. The impact destroyed the aircraft and caused the fatal death of the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered data from a microchip within the aircraft's collision warning device. Technical analysis of the Mooney M20J revealed no mechanical failures or engine issues that contributed to the accident. The aircraft's weight and balance were within limits, and the pilot's medical examination showed no impairments or presence of substances.
Crucially, investigators determined that the aircraft's pitch trim was found at the extreme forward position, configured for a "nose-down" attitude. The investigation also noted that while the Emergency Locator Beacon (ELT) activated immediately upon impact, it failed to transmit GPS position data, which significantly delayed the recovery of the wreckage by emergency services.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to continue VFR flight operations despite insufficient visibility and deteriorating weather conditions.
- The pilot's decision to divert into the Guspistal valley placed the aircraft in a terrain feature where visibility and maneuvering room were severely restricted.
- The aircraft's pitch trim was set to the maximum nose-down position, likely due to manual control inputs while the autopilot was engaged. This extreme trim setting eventually caused the autopilot to disconnect, triggering an unrecoverable steep descent.
- The lack of GPS data transmission from the 406-MHz ELT hindered the rapid localization of the crash site.