2006 Robin DR-400/500 accident at Suot Crasta (HB-KFE)

Overview and Investigation Authority On 23 September 2006, a Robin DR-400/500 registered HB-KFE crashed in the Suot Crasta area, near Celerina in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. The accident occurred approximately 3 km southwest of Samedan aerodrome. The Bureau d’enquête sur les accidents d’aviation (BEAA) issued final report no. 2000 concerning the event. ## Flight Details The aircraft was owned and operated by Groupe de Vol à Moteur, Aéroport, 1950 Sion. On the morning of 23 September 2006, the pilot and three passengers departed Sion aerodrome at 10:12 local time for Friedrichshafen, Germany, with Altenrhein as the planned alternate. Due to restricted visibility and low clouds, the pilot cancelled the original flight plan and diverted to Samedan, landing there at 11:59. In the afternoon, the aircraft was refuelled with 40 litres of AVGAS for the return to Sion. The pilot experienced difficulty starting the engine and required an external generator. After receiving clearance and wind information of 220° at 30 knots, the pilot took off from runway 21 at 15:28. ## Accident and Consequences Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the aircraft impacted the ground in the Suot Crasta area. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft caught fire after impact and was destroyed. The BEAA was notified at 15:52 by the REGA intervention centre and opened the investigation the same day in collaboration with the cantonal police of Grisons. ## Findings and Contributing Factors The BEAA concluded that the accident resulted from an inappropriate flight tactic, which led to loss of control and collision with the terrain. Contributing factors included the pilot’s lack of experience at this mountain aerodrome, overestimation of the aircraft’s performance, and the absence of guidance on an appropriate departure route. The report also noted a safety deficiency related to aerodrome information for Samedan and issued a safety recommendation.