Location and Time
On February 28, 2021, at approximately 13:45 local time, a dangerous proximity event between an aircraft and a drone occurred in the vicinity of the Glacier du Brenay, in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.
Aircraft and Flight
The aircraft involved was a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-18 "150", registered as HB-OKB. The flight was a private operation under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), operating a round trip departure and arrival at Sion Airport (LSGS). The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger.
Event Description
According to the preliminary report by the Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE), the flight experienced a dangerous approach with a drone. The exact circumstances of the encounter are not detailed in this initial information report.
Damage and Injuries
No damage to the aircraft, no injuries to the crew or passengers, and no ground damage were reported. The SESE has opened an investigation into the serious incident.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE) published a preliminary information report on March 11, 2021, describing the event in brief and provisional terms. The report states that it is not complete and does not analyze the circumstances. The investigation is ongoing.