1998 Piper PA-28-161 Warrior accident at Alpe Giggio (HB-PIY)

Overview and flight details On 20 October 1998, a Piper PA-28-161 “Warrior” registered HB-PIY departed Locarno aerodrome runway 08 at 1131 local time for a VFR flight to Salzburg (A). The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1947, was accompanied by two passengers. The aircraft was privately owned and operated, with a Lycoming O-3120-D3G engine and a Sensenich 74DM6-0-60 propeller. ## Accident sequence After takeoff, the pilot climbed toward the Valle Morobbia and Passo del San Jorio. According to the investigation, the pilot continued climbing along the left valley slope and, near Alpe Giggio, judged the rate of climb insufficient to safely cross the pass. During a left-turning turn to reverse course, the left wing struck a group of pines. The aircraft then descended to the slope with a heading toward Locarno, impacted the ground, and caught fire. ## Findings and damage The wreckage was found by SAR services at about 1725 local time, completely burned. The accident location was at approximately 1,750 m above sea level, with coordinates 731 700 / 114 800. The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot and both passengers died from their injuries. ## Weather and operational factors At the time, the weather included 0-2/8 altocumulus with a base of 10,000–12,000 ft, visibility above 10 km, winds variable 350°–020° at about 13 kt with gusts to 20 kt, temperature -1°C, dew point -12°C, and QNH 1018 hPa. Turbulence from north winds was noted, particularly in Val Morobbia. The pilot had been warned about foehn conditions and turbulence but reportedly dismissed the warning. ## Medical and post-impact findings Autopsy findings indicated no pre-existing brain disease, but chronic liver cirrhosis likely due to alcohol consumption. No drugs or medication were detected. The pilot’s blood alcohol level was measured at 1.5–1.6‰, indicating strong intoxication. The medical expert concluded that the alcohol level certainly influenced the piloting of the aircraft. The fire occurred after impact, with no evidence of smoke inhalation in the occupants.