Accident Summary
On Wednesday, 14 October 1963, at 1105 MEZ, a Pilatus Porter PC-6 (registration HB-FAE) departed from a meadow near Rietheim, Canton Aargau, Switzerland, for a troop transport mission as part of a maneuver exercise. The aircraft carried the pilot and five soldiers. The mission proved impracticable, and the aircraft returned to the departure site. Due to various circumstances, the pilot executed the approach with a tailwind. During the landing, the aircraft could not be stopped in time, and during the rollout, both wingtips collided with trees.
Injuries and Damage
The occupants were not injured. The aircraft sustained heavy damage.
Investigation and Conclusion
The investigation by the Swiss Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission concluded that the accident was caused by the pilot, who was inadequately trained for improvised field operations. The external landing under the influence of a tailwind was too long, and the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft in time within a tree gap.