What happened
On June 13, 2026, at approximately 16:25 local time, a Sonaca S201 light aircraft crashed into a field in the vicinity of Lurate Caccivio, Italy. The accident occurred during a private visual flight rules (VFR) operation. The aircraft departed from Riviera Airport Albenga (LIMG) with Locarno Aeroporto (LSZL) as its intended destination. Upon impact, the airframe was destroyed. Both individuals on board, comprising the two-person crew, were seriously injured. There were no passengers on board, and no third parties on the ground were affected.
The investigation — what SUST examined and established
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) issued a notification regarding this incident because the aircraft was registered in Switzerland. The STSB identified the operator as Alsa Aero Locarno SA, based in Gordola, while the owner was recorded as UBS Switzerland AG in Zurich. As the accident occurred on Italian territory, the primary safety investigation is being conducted by the Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo (ANSV), Italy's national aviation safety authority. The STSB's role involves coordinating with ANSV to ensure that Swiss interests are represented and that relevant data from the Swiss-registered aircraft is shared appropriately for the purpose of accident prevention.
Findings
The immediate factual findings indicate a total loss of the aircraft due to a crash into open terrain. The causal chain leading to the impact has not yet been fully detailed in this initial notification, as the comprehensive investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Italian authority. The primary established fact is the destruction of the HB-KGD and the serious injuries sustained by the flight crew.
Safety action
No specific safety recommendations or corrective actions have been issued by the STSB at this stage. The investigation process is ongoing under the lead of ANSV, which will determine the root causes and any necessary safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.