Accident
On 28 April 2025, at 12:27 local time, a Sonaca Aircraft S.A. S201, registration HB-KGI, was involved in an accident near Maggia in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. The aircraft was conducting a local training flight under visual flight rules (VFR) from and to Locarno airfield (LSZL). During the flight, an engine failure occurred. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a field. After contacting the ground, the aircraft overturned and came to rest inverted.
Aircraft and Ownership
The single-engine aircraft, a Sonaca S201, was owned by UBS Switzerland AG, Zurich, and held by Alsa Aero Locarno SA, Gordola. The specific engine type and other technical details are not provided in the preliminary report.
Occupants and Injuries
On board were the pilot and one passenger. According to the report, both crew members (equipaggio) sustained minor injuries. No other persons were injured, and there were no third-party casualties.
Damage
The aircraft was heavily damaged. The ground sustained light damage.
Investigation
The Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SISI) has opened an investigation and published a preliminary report. As the investigation is ongoing, no probable cause has been determined at this stage.