Introduction
On 3 June 1974, a Cessna F 172 G aircraft registered D-EGQY was involved in an accident near Acla, Switzerland. The flight, operated by a private pilot, departed from Samedan Airport (LSZS) at 1742 hours local time on a VFR flight to Augsburg, Germany. Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the aircraft collided with trees and crashed.
Flight History
The pilot had flown from Augsburg to Samedan earlier that day, arriving at 1111 hours. After a full refuel, the pilot filed an ATC flight plan for the return trip. The aircraft took off from runway 21 at 1742. Witnesses noted that the aircraft seemed slow to lift off and reached only 20-30 meters at the end of the 1700-meter runway. It flew toward a wooded hill northeast of San Gian, then turned left toward Punt Muragl. After crossing a power line, the pilot initiated a tight left turn back toward the airport. During this turn, the aircraft lost height and struck a tree with its left wing, then collided with two more trees before impacting the ground at 1744.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Cessna F 172 G, a single-engine high-wing monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear, manufactured by Reims Aviation in 1966. It was powered by a Rolls Royce RR 0-300-D engine. The pilot, a 26-year-old German national, held a private pilot license with a total of 37:27 hours of motor flight experience, including 18:19 hours on type. He also had 15:44 hours of glider experience. The three passengers were German nationals aged 24 to 28, with no flight training.
Weather
The weather at the time was clear with 50 km visibility, wind from the southwest at 3 knots, temperature 18°C, and no clouds.
Accident Sequence
After takeoff, witnesses reported that the aircraft's stall warning horn sounded multiple times during the flight northeast of San Gian. The horn was continuously audible during the subsequent left turn until impact. The aircraft was in a left bank of about 30° when it struck a fir tree, shearing off the left wing tip. The right horizontal stabilizer was torn off by another tree. The aircraft then nosed over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage showed the flaps were retracted, throttle was full, mixture was rich, carburetor heat was off, and fuel tanks were full. The engine was producing power at impact based on propeller deformation. All occupants were wearing lap belts, which held, but some belt attachments were found broken.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft was overloaded by approximately 21 kg (maximum 1043 kg, actual 1064 kg). The center of gravity was within limits. The pilot had limited experience, especially on the accident aircraft type. The mixture was set too rich, which could affect engine performance. The pilot did not follow the prescribed departure path.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in the official report, is: collision with obstacles; stall at low altitude; failure to follow the prescribed departure path; incorrect mixture setting; low flight experience; and aircraft overload.