What happened
On July 2, 2006, a Cirrus SR20, registration HB-KHA, departed Ambri airport for a flight toward Basel-Mulhouse. Shortly after takeoff from runway 11, the pilot deviated from the recommended departure route, which suggests following the valley for approximately 5.5 km before turning left. Instead, the pilot initiated a left turn toward the St. Gotthard Pass only 1.5 km after the end of the runway.
As the aircraft progressed toward the Airolo area, the pilot turned right into the Val Tremola. While flying at an altitude roughly level with the mountain road, the pilot realized the aircraft could no longer clear the pass or execute a safe turnaround due to the narrowing terrain. During the descent into the valley, the aircraft passed under two high-voltage power lines before ultimately colliding with the terrain approximately 500 meters south of the St. Gotthard Pass. The impact, occurring roughly 100 meters below the pass summit, resulted in two serious injuries to the occupants and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
SUST examined the flight data from the multi-function flight display (MFD) and transponder, as well as statements from the pilot and passenger. The investigation confirmed that the engine was producing power at the time of impact and found no pre-existing mechanical defects in the airframe or engine.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's training history, noting that while the pilot held a valid PPL, a previous mountain flying introduction in 2003 had been deemed insufficient and required repetition that had not been documented as completed. Additionally, the investigation found that the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) had been deactivated by the pilot prior to the flight.