Accident Details
On June 25, 1964, a Piper Cub J-3, registration HB-ODI, was involved in an accident at Schmitten aerodrome (Flugplatz Schmitten FR). The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, departed on a private sightseeing flight at approximately 2100 MEZ during dusk conditions with good weather. The flight was conducted without a night flight authorization and the aircraft was not equipped for night operations. The pilot extended the flight beyond the day-night boundary, which occurred at 2111 MEZ.
Event Sequence
Approximately fifteen minutes after the day-night boundary, while on final approach to land, the pilot misjudged the landing approach. The aircraft made contact with a wheat field about 100 meters before the beginning of the runway, resulting in a nose-over. The aircraft sustained damage, but the occupants were not injured.
Investigation Findings
The official Swiss aviation accident investigation commission determined that the pilot misjudged the landing approach, leading to the accident. The flight had been conducted without the required night flight authorization and the aircraft lacked the necessary night flight certification.