Casualties unknown

Piper J3C HB-OXL Strikes Cable During Photographic Flight Near Château-d'Oex

Château-d'Oex, VD, CH

On January 5, 1966, a PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION J3C-65/L-4. (registration HB-OXL) was involved in an aviation accident near Château-d'Oex, VD, CH. This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On January 5, 1966, a Piper J3C (HB-OXL) on a photographic flight struck a transport cable approximately 70 m above ground near Château-d'Oex. The aircraft sustained significant damage but returned to its home base and landed safely.

Incident

On January 5, 1966, a Piper J3C aircraft, registered as HB-OXL, was conducting a photographic flight near Château-d'Oex, Switzerland. During the flight, the aircraft impacted a transport cable that was suspended approximately 70 meters above the ground. The collision caused fairly extensive damage to the aircraft.

Aircraft and Flight

The aircraft involved was a Piper J3C, a light single-engine high-wing monoplane. The flight was specifically undertaken for aerial photography purposes. No other details about the flight, such as the number of occupants or the exact time of day, are provided in the source.

Aftermath

Despite the damage sustained from the cable strike, the pilot was able to fly the aircraft back to its home base. The landing was completed without any further incidents. The source does not mention any injuries or fatalities, nor does it specify the nature of the damage beyond noting it was fairly significant.

Investigation

The Swiss Federal Accident Investigation Commission reviewed the incident and approved the investigation report on July 28, 1966, with the final decision circulated on August 24/September 6, 1966. The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/323.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.