What happened
On June 24, 1972, a Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow, registration D-EACS, was conducting a private VFR flight from Bremen to Samedan via Zurich. After a stop in Zurich to refuel and consult with meteorologists, the aircraft departed Zurich at 12:40 GMT.
As the flight progressed toward the Engadin region, the aircraft entered the narrow, rapidly ascending valley near Bivio. Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, appearing to fly slowly with partially extended flaps. Shortly before 13:30, the aircraft struck a rocky ridge at the Julier Pass summit. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and all four fatalities occurred at the scene.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft wreckage, the pilot's flight records, and local meteorological data. The investigation confirmed that the engine was functioning at high power during the final moments and that no mechanical failures preceded the crash. The aircraft's landing gear had automatically deployed via the backup extension system because the airspeed had dropped below the minimum threshold.
Analysis of the flight logs revealed that while the pilot had experience with various aircraft types, he lacked specific training for mountain flying. Furthermore, the aircraft was found to be slightly overweight, exceeding the maximum allowable takeoff weight by approximately 5%.
Findings
- The pilot entered a complex mountain valley at an insufficient altitude, leaving no room for a safe turnaround.
- The terrain's steepness in the final section of the valley exceeded the aircraft's maximum climb capability.
- The pilot's lack of mountain flying experience led to an operational error in navigating the narrowing valley under challenging weather conditions.
- The aircraft's airspeed dropped below the minimum required level, triggering the automatic extension of the landing gear.
- The aircraft was operating slightly above its maximum certified weight.