What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-09-12 involved a MOONEY M20K, registration D-EPPW, at Berggasthaus Gumen oberhalb von Braunwald, GL, CH.

Mooney M20K Crashes Near Braunwald After Stall in Icing Conditions (D-EPPW)

On September 12, 2017, a MOONEY M20K (registration D-EPPW) was involved in an aviation accident near Berggasthaus Gumen oberhalb von Braunwald, GL, CH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the pilots' inability to avoid collision with terrain following a loss of control due to speed below stall speed in icing conditions. The continuation of VFR flight into IMC was the origin of the accident. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 1785034239Data API Editorial standards

On 12 September 2017, a Mooney M20K (D-EPPW) crashed near Braunwald, Switzerland, after the pilots lost control during a stall in icing conditions while continuing VFR flight into IMC. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

History of the Flight

The privately operated Mooney M20K, registered as D-EPPW, departed from Donaueschingen (EDTD) at 18:24 LT on 12 September 2017, bound for Albenga (LIMG). The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). Radar tracking showed the aircraft climbing to 4500 ft AMSL and later to 6800 ft AMSL. During the climb, ground speed decreased to a minimum of 62 kt over Krinau near Wattwil. At approximately 18:59 LT, the aircraft collided with terrain near the Berggasthaus Gumen above Braunwald, canton Glarus.

Injuries to Persons

Both pilots on board sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were injured.

Damage to Aircraft

The aircraft was destroyed. Minor ground damage and scratches on the cable of the Gumenbahn were reported.

Cause

The accident was attributed to the pilots' inability to avoid collision with terrain after losing control of the aircraft due to speed falling below stall speed in icing conditions. The continuation of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions was identified as the origin of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilots' inability to avoid collision with terrain following a loss of control due to speed below stall speed in icing conditions. The continuation of VFR flight into IMC was the origin of the accident.

Loss of control in flight

2017-09-12: MOONEY M20K (D-EPPW) — Berggasthaus Gumen oberhalb von Braunwald, GL, CH