1970 Piper J3C Accident at Buttwil Airfield (HB-OXR)

Overview and Flight Context On Monday, March 30, 1970, Piper J3C registration HB-OXR was operating a ferry flight from Bad Ragaz to Buttwil/AG with the consent of Flugschule Eichenberger A.G. The aircraft was a single-engine, two-seat high-wing training aircraft equipped with a 90 hp Continental C-90-14 F engine. The pilot, born in 1946, held a valid student pilot certificate and had passed his theory and flight examinations shortly before the accident. His brother, who had no flight experience, occupied the front passenger seat. ## Sequence of Events The pilot departed Bad Ragaz at 0945 MEZ after checking the weather and runway conditions with his instructor. He was advised to land on the northern half of the runway due to snowmelt conditions on the southern portion. The flight proceeded uneventfully to Buttwil, where the pilot established an overflight at approximately 200 meters above ground level. Because the pilot did not see the landing T and the windsock appeared to indicate no wind, he elected to make a half right-hand circuit to land on Runway 16. During the final approach, the aircraft was displaced to the right of the runway centerline. The pilot used a left slip with the wind to reduce altitude but found the aircraft too far left shortly before touchdown. ## Accident and Damage The aircraft first touched down on the left side of the runway, briefly lifted off, and then made a second three-point contact outside the runway, angled approximately 15 degrees to the left of the runway centerline. After a short ground roll, the pilot applied full power and pulled the aircraft into a left turn down-slope. The aircraft lost speed and stalled over the left wing. The accident occurred at 1050 MEZ. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, and minor damage occurred to the ground. ## Investigation Findings The Swiss Federal Accident Investigation Commission opened the investigation on March 31, 1970, without the assistance of cantonal authorities. The report notes that the pilot lacked the short-term permission required to carry passengers. The aircraft was airworthy and certificated for traffic, though it was overweight at both departure and the time of the accident. Investigators determined that the overloading did not play a decisive role in the accident sequence. The discussion section highlights that the pilot's experience was insufficient to manage the unfamiliar landing situation created by the wet southern half of the runway and the decision to land opposite the normal circuit direction. Investigators concluded that a go-around should have been initiated no later than when the pilot recognized the aircraft was too far left. The accident was attributed to a failed go-around following a missed approach.