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1968 Piper Cherokee Emergency Landing at Rapperswil (HB-OWG)

Rapperswil, BE, CH

On November 21, 1968, a PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-28-140/160 (registration HB-OWG) was involved in an aviation accident near Rapperswil, BE, CH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident occurred during an emergency landing necessitated by an engine failure, which was most likely caused by carburetor icing. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper Cherokee HB-OWG made an emergency landing near Rapperswil, Switzerland, on November 21, 1968, after a probable carburetor icing event. The aircraft was damaged, but the three occupants were unharmed.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On November 21, 1968, a Piper Cherokee PA-28-140, registration HB-OWG, was involved in an accident near Rapperswil, Switzerland. The aircraft, manufactured in 1964, was a single-engine, three-seat low-wing monoplane with fixed nose gear. It was owned and operated by GRIBAIR, Aviation Market S.A., Bern. The aircraft was powered by a Lycoming O-320-E2A engine and equipped with a Sensenich M 74 DM 60 propeller. The pilot, a private pilot, was accompanied by two passengers, one of whom had recently passed their private pilot examination and assisted with radio communications.

Probable cause

The accident occurred during an emergency landing necessitated by an engine failure, which was most likely caused by carburetor icing.
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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Nov 1968 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-28-140/160 accident near Rapperswil, BE, CH?

A Piper Cherokee HB-OWG made an emergency landing near Rapperswil, Switzerland, on November 21, 1968, after a probable carburetor icing event. The aircraft was damaged, but the three occupants were unharmed.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Nov 1968 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-28-140/160 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Nov 1968 involved a PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION PA-28-140/160, registration HB-OWG, at Rapperswil, BE, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident occurred during an emergency landing necessitated by an engine failure, which was most likely caused by carburetor icing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/475.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.