What happened
On July 4, 2015, at approximately 15:35 local time, an EA 300 with registration HB-MSL was performing a private VFR flight at the Dittingen airfield (LSPD). As the pilot was executing the landing sequence, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in altitude during the flare maneuver. This resulted in a hard landing at the beginning of the runway.
The impact caused extensive damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the landing gear, propeller, exhaust system, and the fuselage. While one passenger was on board, they sustained only minor or no injuries. There was also minor damage to property on the ground.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) conducted a summary investigation into the incident. The investigation focused on the flight phase immediately preceding the impact and the mechanical state of the aircraft during the flare. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was being operated under private flight rules and that the pilot had accumulated 222 total flight hours, with 11 hours and 54 minutes of experience in this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a loss of control during the flare.
- The aircraft sank unexpectedly at the start of the runway, leading to the high-impact landing.