Accident Details
On 26 February 2000, at approximately 1520 local time, a Piper PA-28-R201, registration F-GOMP, collided with terrain on the northern slope of Gd. Mont Calme in the Val de Nendaz area of Switzerland. The aircraft was on a private VFR flight from Sion to Annemasse, France, after having landed at Sion earlier that day. The pilot had filed a flight plan routing via Whisky reporting point, Cleuson Dam, Verbier, Martigny, and Bouveret.
After departing Sion at 1505, the pilot turned left at Whisky and climbed toward Nendaz, entering the valley heading south. At 1515, he reported over Cleuson Dam at 8000 feet and was cleared to leave the frequency. Unable to cross the ridges to the west into Val de Bagnes, he initiated a right 360-degree turn in the valley bottom to gain altitude. During the turn, the aircraft's right wingtip struck a rocky ridge protruding from a snow-covered slope. The aircraft came to rest on its belly after a right rotation.
Both occupants, the pilot and a passenger, were seriously injured, particularly to the face, and were hoisted by helicopter before nightfall and hospitalized.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-R201, owned and operated by Club aéronautique Annemasse/F. It had a valid airworthiness certificate and was maintained per regulations. The pilot held a valid French private pilot license with ratings for classes A, B, C, and E. His total flight experience was 2955 hours, with 17 hours in the last 90 days. The passenger also held a valid French private pilot license.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather was characterized by an anticyclonic situation with moderate northwesterly flow aloft. In the accident area, skies were clear with visibility greater than 10 km. At Sion, QNH was 1027 hPa, which was set on both aircraft altimeters. Winds at 5000 ft were 250°/10 kts, at 10000 ft 270°/15 kts, and at 18000 ft 300°/25 kts. Temperatures at those levels were +01°C, -05°C, and -22°C respectively. The northwesterly wind may have produced downdrafts in the valley.
Findings
- Both occupants used seat belts but not shoulder harnesses.
- Neither occupant was under the influence of alcohol.
- Aircraft weight and balance were within limits.
- Fuel quantity at departure was sufficient.
- An ELT activated on impact due to sudden deceleration.
- Technical examination of the engine revealed no evidence of power loss during the critical phase.
- The pilot's suggestion of power loss was not supported by evidence.
Cause
The accident is probably the consequence of a penetration into an alpine valley at an insufficient height.