Accident Details
On 16 May 1970, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, registration HB-ORZ, was involved in an accident at Sion aerodrome. The aircraft was returning from a towing flight and was landing on grass runway 26 after releasing the tow rope.
During the landing, the right wing contacted the ground. The aircraft then ground-looped 90 degrees to the right, pivoted forward, and came to rest in a nose-down attitude on the propeller hub and the two main landing gear wheels.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The aircraft sustained serious damage.
Investigation Findings
The final report from the Swiss Federal Commission of Inquiry into Aircraft Accidents determined that the accident resulted from the combined effects of an approach speed that was too slow, turbulence near the ground, and inappropriate use of the wheel brakes.