Incident Overview
On July 25, 2020, at approximately 12:19 local time, a Cessna 172R with registration HB-TLF crashed into a glacier peak located above Blatten in the canton of Valais. The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) issued Final Report No. 2416 regarding this accident. The aircraft was operated by Fluggruppe Reichenbach and was conducting a non-commercial sightseeing flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Operational Context
The flight originated from Flugplatz Reichenbach (LSGR). Pilot A, a Swiss national born in 1954 holding an EASA Private Pilot Licence, was at the controls with three passengers. The aircraft had been prepared for a specific scenic route designated as "Round Flight No. 5," which included views of the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and Matterhorn. Prior to departure, concerns were raised regarding fuel quantity and weight limits, but the pilot proceeded after estimating that the load was within acceptable parameters.
Accident Sequence
Radar data indicates the aircraft was flying northward over the Rhone Valley near Raron before turning toward the Lötschental. Around 12:16, the indicated airspeed was approximately 70 knots, decreasing to about 60 knots by 12:18. Witnesses reported hearing unusual oscillating engine noises and observed the aircraft entering a spin. The plane performed an estimated four to five rotations before disappearing from view and impacting the terrain. A smoke column subsequently confirmed the crash site.
Consequences
The accident resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. All four individuals on board, consisting of one pilot and three passengers, were killed. There were no injuries to third parties on the ground.