1970 Cessna 172 Accident at Pruntrut Airfield (HB-CPD)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 10 September 1970, a Cessna 172 with registration HB-CPD departed Sitterdorf at 1430 MEZ for a private flight to Pruntrut. The pilot carried two passengers. Shortly before 1600 MEZ, the aircraft approached Pruntrut for a landing on runway 07. The approach became too long, and the airplane touched down with fully extended landing flaps only 3 meters beyond the end of the 550-meter grass runway. After rolling 60 meters, the aircraft lifted off due to a ground wave, prompting the pilot to attempt a go-around. The pilot did not set the landing flaps to the takeoff position. While initiating a right turn to avoid a row of trees, the aircraft yawed left due to insufficient speed and crashed at 1601 MEZ. ## Damage and Injuries The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, while the second passenger was lightly injured. The aircraft was destroyed, and minor third-party damage was reported. ## Investigation Findings The pilot, born in 1914, held a valid private pilot certificate issued on 3 August 1967, with a Cessna 172 endorsement. At the time of the accident, his total flight experience was about 115 hours, including 29 hours on the Cessna 172 type and 25 hours on the accident aircraft. He was familiar with Pruntrut airfield, where he had completed part of his flight training. His health condition raised no concerns. The aircraft was airworthy. Weather in the accident area included overcast conditions, weak variable winds strengthening to 15–20 kt from 250 degrees between 1600 and 1700 MEZ, visibility of 20 km, a temperature of +24 °C, and a dew point of +18 °C. The investigation noted a possible slight tailwind during the approach. ## Probable Cause The commission concluded unanimously that the accident resulted from the pilot initiating a go-around too late after an overly long landing approach and leaving the landing flaps in the fully extended position.