2009 Piper PA-18A Accident at Valerette, Switzerland (HB-PQJ)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 21 February 2009, a Piper PA-18A 150, registration HB-PQJ, was involved in an accident at Valerette, in the commune of Monthey, Valais, Switzerland. The aircraft, a 1957-built single-engine, two-seat tandem high-wing plane equipped with skis, was privately owned and operated. It was powered by a Lycoming O-320-A3C engine and fitted with a Sensenich two-blade fixed-pitch propeller. The accident occurred at an altitude of 1,870 m during a private VFR day flight for instruction purposes. ## Flight Sequence and Accident The flight departed from Bex aerodrome at approximately 12:55 local time, carrying an instructor in the front seat and a student pilot in the rear. After conducting several landings at Bellevue and Morgins, the crew proceeded to Valerette for a simulated approach. During the final approach, the engine experienced a malfunction and failed to regain full power. The instructor decided to land on a snow-covered slope. After the student pilot exited the aircraft, the engine stopped, and the plane began to roll backward for approximately 150 meters. It then struck a larch tree, turned a quarter-circle to the right, and came to a stop. ## Aftermath and Damage Both occupants exited the aircraft without injury. They contacted Air Glaciers to arrange helicopter transport for the aircraft. While waiting, the crew cleared snow around the skis. Upon arrival, the helicopter performed a reconnaissance flight. The rotor wash from the helicopter caused the aircraft to slide down the slope for about 100 meters into a forest, resulting in severe damage to the left wing, fuselage, and empennage. The aircraft was declared severely damaged and could not be flown.