Incident Overview
On 21 January 2024 at approximately 16:45 local time, a Piper PA-28R-201T Arrow (registration HB-PQG) and a Gyroflug SC01 Speed Canard (registration HB-UCT) collided in mid-air near Ballwil, in the municipality of Hohenrain, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. The collision occurred at an altitude of 1500 meters AMSL during the cruise phase of a private VFR flight. Both aircraft sustained serious damage, but all five occupants — two pilots and three passengers — remained uninjured.
Flight Details
The two pilots were acquaintances and had previously flown together in loose formation for photographic purposes. On the day of the incident, they planned a flight from Raron Airfield (LSTA) to Birrfeld Airfield (LSZF), with a stopover near Andermatt. During a pre-flight briefing, they agreed on the route, radio frequency, and a formation speed of approximately 100 knots for photo sessions. They did not establish a detailed procedure for loss of visual contact, other than turning away from the presumed position of the other aircraft.
The aircraft departed Raron shortly after 16:00, approximately five minutes apart. HB-PQG carried the pilot and two passengers; HB-UCT carried the pilot and one passenger. Visual contact was first established near Andermatt. The aircraft then approached each other, separated, and later converged again over the Ägerisee, descending to 5000 feet AMSL. During the subsequent approach for photography, the distance between the aircraft was reduced to about 30 meters.
Collision and Emergency Response
While flying in loose formation, the pilot of HB-PQG informed the pilot of HB-UCT of his intention to maneuver behind and above to the other side to capture sunset-lit images. Shortly thereafter, the pilot of HB-PQG lost visual contact with the other aircraft. He asked his front-seat passenger, who was also experienced in aviation, if he could see the Speed Canard; the passenger responded negatively. Moments later, the two aircraft collided. The contact occurred between the upper forward fuselage and propeller of HB-PQG and the lower aft fuselage, main landing gear, and propeller of HB-UCT.
Following the collision, HB-PQG's engine stopped and its emergency locator transmitter activated. The pilot maintained control and initiated a glide. He contacted Zurich Information on radio, reporting the emergency and stating his intention to land at Emmen military airfield. The aircraft's sink rate increased after gear extension, and the pilot executed a successful forced landing in a field short of the runway. All occupants remained uninjured.
HB-UCT's nose pitched down approximately 20–30 degrees due to the collision, but the pilot quickly regained control. The engine continued running with light vibrations. The pilot reduced power and landed on runway 04 at Emmen without further incident, despite the right main landing gear having been detached during the collision. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Weather and Environmental Conditions
The weather at the time was dry with good visibility. Winds from the southwest were increasing, with speeds of 25 to 35 knots at flight altitude. Moderate turbulence was possible in the area, approximately 1000 feet above an inversion layer. The sun was low on the horizon, at an azimuth of 236° and an altitude of 3°, but the pilot of HB-PQG reported no significant glare.