Overview
On 19 September 2004, a Cessna 182R, registration HB-CJB, struck terrain on the southeast flank of Dent de Jaman near Montreux, Switzerland, during a descent. The private flight originated in Perpignan, France, and was destined for Grenchen, Switzerland, under visual flight rules (VFR). The pilot and three passengers died in the impact, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Flight History
The pilot filed a VFR flight plan from Perpignan to Grenchen with a planned route via Montélimar, Tour-du-Pin, the VFR route TRANSIT SOUTH, Vevey, and Fribourg. After departing Perpignan, the pilot contacted Geneva air traffic services near Annecy, France, reporting inability to maintain the maximum altitude due to cloud layers. He stated he was in clouds, a condition he repeated multiple times. The aircraft flew approximately 8 NM south of, and nearly parallel to, the TRANSIT SOUTH route. Later, the pilot reported visual contact with the ground and requested descent clearance, which was granted. About ten minutes later, the aircraft collided with the mountainside.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time included deteriorating conditions with clouds and reduced visibility. The pilot encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during the VFR flight.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed. All four occupants died.
Probable Cause
The accident was caused by collision with terrain during descent after the continuation of a visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).