What happened
On February 20, 2020, at approximately 17:30 local time, a Diamond HK 36 TTC motor glider, registration HB-2360, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at Sion Airport (LSGS). The aircraft departed from and was returning to the same airfield. During the short final approach for runway 25, the aircraft struck a tree before coming to a stop against the airport's perimeter fence.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) conducted an investigation into the occurrence. The examination focused on the flight path during the landing phase and the resulting impact with obstacles. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained heavy damage as a result of the collision. Additionally, the impact caused damage to a tree and the airport's boundary fence.
Findings
- The pilot sustained light injuries during the incident.
- The passenger remained uninjured.
- The primary cause of the accident was the aircraft's collision with a tree during the final approach phase.