General Information
On 2 November 1962 at 12:25 local time, a Piper Cub J3C aircraft with Swiss registration HB-OCO crashed in Pettneu am Arlberg, near St. Anton, Austria, during an attempted forced landing. The aircraft was substantially damaged, and both occupants sustained severe injuries. The flight was a private visual flight to Innsbruck, having departed from Altenrhein.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a 1944 Piper J3C (L4), a single-engine, two-seat high-wing light aircraft, serial number 13014. It was owned and operated by the Fluggruppe der Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke AG Altenrhein. The maximum takeoff weight was 550 kg, with an empty weight of 382 kg. The engine was a Continental A65 rated at 65 hp, serial number T-027836. The airframe had accumulated 696.11 hours since its last major overhaul on 23 September 1962. The last condition inspection was performed on 25 October 1962 by the Swiss Federal Air Office, rating the general condition as "very good."
Pilot Information
The pilot in command was a 22-year-old Swiss male who held a private pilot license issued on 4 January 1962, valid until 14 July 1963. He had a total flight time of 79.20 hours, with 35.30 hours on the accident aircraft type. He also held a glider pilot license. The second pilot was a 23-year-old Swiss male with a private pilot license issued on 5 June 1962, valid until 13 May 1963. He had 121.54 total flight hours, including 38.14 hours on type. Both pilots had flown the route from Altenrhein to Innsbruck previously.
Flight Preparation and Weather
The flight was planned from Altenrhein to Innsbruck with an estimated duration of 0.140 hours. The pilot received a weather briefing via telephone about half an hour before departure, with no mention of icing risk. At the accident site at 12:00 local time, wind was from 200° at 5 knots, visibility 60 km, temperature 8°C, dew point 2°C, with 1/8 stratocumulus at 5000 feet.
Flight Details
The aircraft departed Altenrhein as planned with sufficient fuel. The flight to the Arlberg was routine. The Arlberg pass (1802 m MSL) was overflown at approximately 2800 m, with an outside temperature of 12°C. After crossing the Arlberg, the pilots reported the engine malfunctioning. A magneto check revealed a drop in rpm, and vibrations occurred in the empennage. Reducing speed and applying nose-up trim restored normal behavior. Activating carburetor heat had no effect. The engine then resumed normal operation, and the flight continued toward Innsbruck via the Inn valley. Near St. Anton, the engine lost power again, and the aircraft lost altitude. The pilots sought a forced landing site, initially aiming for Landeck, but fog ahead forced them to abandon that plan. They turned back toward Pettneu, flying very low and slow in an attempt to reach a previously overflown suitable landing area. During this approach, the aircraft crashed onto a grassy slope and was severely damaged (75%).
Injuries
Both pilots sustained severe injuries, including skull fractures, open fractures of the left elbow (pilot in command), and multiple facial lacerations. They were unconscious at the scene.
Damage
The aircraft was declared 75% damaged.