Single-engine aircraft crash near Novena Pass

Casualties unknown • Bedretto, TI, CH

A private flight involving an IAR IS-28M2/GR crashed near the Novena Pass in Ticino, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On September 11, 2018, at approximately 16:36 local time, an IAR IS-28M2/GR aircraft, registered HB-2321, crashed in the vicinity of the Novena Pass. The aircraft was operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) on a private flight, having departed from Ambri Aerodrome (LSPM) with the intention of reaching Courtelary Aerodrome (LSZJ). The accident occurred roughly 1 km northeast of the pass, within the municipality of Bedretto, Ticino. The impact with the terrain resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and the fatal injury of the pilot.

The investigation

The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) initiated an inquiry into the event. Preliminary examinations of the site revealed light tracks on the ground. The investigation focused on the flight path and the circumstances leading to the aircraft's descent near the mountain pass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2018-09-11 INTREPRINDEREA DE CONSTRUCTII AERONAUTICE-BRASOV (IAR) IS-28M2/GR accident near Bedretto, TI, CH?

A private flight involving an IAR IS-28M2/GR crashed near the Novena Pass in Ticino, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2018-09-11 involved a INTREPRINDEREA DE CONSTRUCTII AERONAUTICE-BRASOV (IAR) IS-28M2/GR, registration HB-2321, at Bedretto, TI, CH.

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/HB-2321_2.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.

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