General
On 18 January 2003, two Piper PA-18 "150" aircraft registered HB-ORK and HB-ORN were involved in a ground collision on the glacier de la Rosa-Blanche, near Nendaz, Switzerland, approximately 20 km south of Sion Airport. The accident occurred at 12:00 local time.
History of the Flights
HB-ORK
The HB-ORK was conducting a training flight with an instructor and a student pilot who was nearing completion of mountain landing training. The flight originated from Bern Airport (LSZB) with planned landings on the Tsanfleuron, Rosa-Blanche, and Ebnefluh glaciers. After completing multiple touch-and-go landings on the Tsanfleuron glacier, the aircraft departed for Rosa-Blanche around 11:30 LT.
HB-ORN
The HB-ORN was operated by Air Glaciers SA, carrying a pilot and a passenger without flight experience. The flight began at Sion Airport (LSGS) at 10:45 LT, with planned landings on the Rosa-Blanche, Trient, and Croix-de-Cœur glaciers.
Accident Sequence
Approaching the Rosa-Blanche glacier around 11:00 LT, the HB-ORN crew observed a Jodel Mousquetaire on the upper part of the glacier with its engine off. The HB-ORN pilot announced intentions to practice takeoffs and landings. Shortly after, the HB-ORK arrived from the west and announced similar intentions. The instructor in HB-ORK saw both aircraft on the glacier and noted the HB-ORN's engine running. The two aircraft conducted alternating landings on the upper glacier. The HB-ORN then decided to land on the lower part. After its second landing on the upper section, the HB-ORK heard the HB-ORN announce final approach for the lower glacier. The student in HB-ORK then announced "HB-ORK taking off from Rosa-Blanche for another touch-and-go." As HB-ORK accelerated from the upper glacier toward the lower section, HB-ORN was in its landing phase on the lower glacier. The two aircraft collided, their right wings making contact.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants of HB-ORK, the instructor and student, sustained serious injuries. The pilot and passenger of HB-ORN were uninjured. HB-ORK was destroyed; HB-ORN sustained damage.
Cause
According to the investigation, the accident occurred because coordination between the two crews regarding planned takeoffs and landings was no longer ensured, leading to a ground collision.