Swiss FFA AS 202/15-1 Bravo Crash at Samedan (HB-HFY)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 29 October 2001, an FFA AS 202/15-1 Bravo, registration HB-HFY, operated by Fliegerschule Altenrhein, crashed near Samedan in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three occupants—one pilot and two passengers—were killed. The accident occurred during the takeoff phase of a commercial VFR flight. ## Flight Sequence and Contributing Factors The pilot, a Swiss national born in 1948, had arranged a paid flight from Altenrhein to Samedan and back with two passengers. After a 77-minute flight, the aircraft landed at Samedan. The pilot then prepared for the return leg, choosing runway 21 for the takeoff. Witnesses reported that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude shortly after liftoff. The pilot initiated a left turn, likely to avoid the hill of San Gian, during which the aircraft rolled over its left wing and crashed. ## Investigation Findings The Swiss Federal Accident Investigation Board (Büro für Flugunfalluntersuchungen) determined that the accident was caused by the loss of control following inadequate flight tactics during a mountain takeoff. Contributing factors included insufficient flight preparation and a takeoff weight exceeding the maximum limit. The aircraft's takeoff weight at Samedan was calculated to be between 1,015 kg and 1,022 kg, exceeding the approved maximum of 999 kg. The center of gravity was also outside prescribed limits. ## Technical and Environmental Conditions The aircraft was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-E2A engine, which produced approximately 120 horsepower at the site's elevation of 1,706 meters, a 20% reduction from sea-level performance. The pilot held a valid Swiss limited commercial pilot license and had no known health impairments. The ELT was found in the off position, and no flight data recorder was installed. The investigation noted that the aircraft's performance was further affected by the high-altitude environment and the overloading condition.