What happened
On September 21, 2008, a PAC 750XL, registration ZK-JPP, was conducting a specialized "tour de Suisse" parachute jumping mission. The flight originated from Beromünster with 19 occupants, including the pilot, one passenger, and 17 parachutists. After a successful first deployment near Neuchâtel and a stop in Colombier, the aircraft proceeded toward Ecuvillens for a second deployment at 15,000 feet.
Following the second deployment, the aircraft began a rapid descent. While the pilot had previously been informed of low visibility and thick stratus clouds at the destination, the flight continued under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). The aircraft eventually struck terrain in a forested area near Gumefens, approximately 15 km south of Fribourg. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving the pilot and the passenger. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent intense fire.
The investigation
Investigators examined radar tracks, radio communications, and wreckage to reconstruct the flight path. The radar data showed a controlled descent, with the aircraft maintaining a steady power setting from the turbine at the time of impact. The flight path indicated the pilot was attempting to navigate toward Ecuvillens using GPS and radio navigation, as visual landmarks like Mont Gibloux were obscured by a dense cloud layer.
Medical examinations of the pilot revealed evidence of diffuse myocarditis, which could potentially cause sudden medical events, though the controlled nature of the descent suggested the pilot remained in control of the aircraft until impact. Toxicological tests showed the pilot was still alive during the collision.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with terrain resulting from the decision to continue VFR operations when meteorological conditions required IFR flight.
- A thick, compact layer of stratus clouds obscured all essential visual landmarks.
- The pilot faced operational pressure to complete the scheduled jump program despite the deteriorating weather.
- Navigation was reliant entirely on GPS and radio aids due to the lack of visual references.