Accident Overview
On 21 March 2014 at approximately 10:45 local time, a Piper PA-18 "150" (registration HB-PAX) operated by the Air-Club d’Yverdon-les-Bains was involved in an accident at Croix de Coeur, commune de Nendaz, Valais. The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1967, held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) with a total flight time of 477 hours, including 20 hours 41 minutes on type. One passenger was on board. Both the pilot and passenger were reported as unharmed or slightly injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, skis, propeller, left wing strut, and fuselage.
Flight History
The pilot had conducted several landings on the Trient glacier before proceeding to the Croix de Coeur area with the intention of landing there. After three reconnaissance passes, he decided to land. He performed a wide left-hand circuit and established final approach on the slope in calm air. During the short final, he perceived a tailwind component. Believing the aircraft was too high and too fast, he initiated a go-around to exit the approach path to the right, toward the Rhone valley.
Accident Sequence
The go-around maneuver was unsuccessful. The aircraft struck the snowy surface at the height of a wooden sign, bounced on a ski path, then impacted a snow wall with the left wing before coming to a stop.
Investigation
The Swiss Accident Investigation Service (SESA) published a summary report based on available statements. No probable cause was stated in the report.