Introduction
On 13 May 1982 at approximately 1255 local time (GMT+2), a Piper PA-28-181 Archer II, registration HB-PEB, was involved in an accident at Lugano aerodrome. The aircraft was operated by Haltergemeinschaft Belpmoos and owned by Motorfluggruppe Bern. The pilot, a Swiss citizen born in 1919, held a valid private pilot license. He had accumulated 232 hours and 41 minutes total flight time, with 14 hours and 13 minutes in the previous 90 days. On the accident aircraft type he had logged 110 hours, including 14 hours and 13 minutes in the preceding 90 days.
Flight History
The pilot departed Bern Airport at 1050 local time with one passenger for a sightseeing flight to the Matterhorn region. The flight passed via Thun, the Gemmi Pass, and the Valais towards the Matterhorn. For a considerable period the aircraft maintained altitudes between 4,000 and 4,500 meters above sea level. Due to heavy haze south of the Alps, the pilot descended in a spiral over the Aosta Valley and continued at approximately 300 meters above ground towards Lugano.
Over the reporting point "Whiskey" (Luino), the pilot contacted Lugano Tower and was cleared for an approach to runway 21. During the downwind leg, the pilot realized he was too high and extended the downwind as far as the Cadempino motorway interchange. He reduced power to idle and extended full flaps. On final approach for runway 21, with landing clearance received, he noted he was still too high and the approach speed was 100 knots. He attempted to force the aircraft to land by pushing the elevator forward, but the aircraft did not touch down until approximately the midpoint of the 1,050-meter runway. After a brief ground contact, it became airborne again. The pilot again attempted to force the aircraft onto the ground without success. As the runway end approached, he applied full right rudder, and the aircraft left the runway at an angle of about 120°, aiming for the high grass in hope of better deceleration. The right wing tip briefly contacted the ground, then the right main wheel touched down. The aircraft subsequently crossed the aerodrome boundary fence and the access road, stopping against the south façade of an industrial building.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained a rib contusion. The passenger remained uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed. Third-party damage included the boundary fence and decorative shrubs.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified for the flight. No health issues that could have affected the accident were identified. The aircraft was certified for private operations and its weight and balance were within limits. No oxygen equipment was on board. The airspeed indicator on HB-PEB was a Piper Truespeed model calibrated in knots. The aircraft's flight manual specified a final approach speed of 66 KIAS with flaps 40° and maximum flap speed of 102 KIAS.
Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported as: 3/8 AcAS clouds with a base around 8,000 feet, visibility 7 km, wind 200° at 5 knots, temperature 20°C, dew point 9°C, QNH 1026 mbar.
Probable Cause
The accident is attributable to the fact that the pilot omitted to perform a go-around after an approach that was too long. The following factors contributed to the accident: possible fatigue after a prolonged high-altitude flight without supplemental oxygen; misjudgment of height and speed during approach; possible confusion of measurement units on the airspeed indicator.