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1978 AS-202 Bravo HB-HEU Crash at Birrfeld

Birrfeld Flugplatz (LSZF), AG, CH

On July 6, 1978, a FLUG- UND FAHRZEUGWERKE AG ALTENRHEIN (FFA) AS202/15 (registration HB-HEU) was involved in an aviation accident near Birrfeld Flugplatz (LSZF), AG, CH. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the failure of the right wing during a recovery maneuver. Contributing factors, which could not be weighted or determined in their specific combination, included a non-conforming lower spar cap, a pre-existing fatigue crack in the… This summary draws on records from the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST).

Sourcesthe Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On July 6, 1978, an AS-202 Bravo (HB-HEU) crashed near Birrfeld after its right wing separated during aerobatic training. Both occupants were killed. The investigation attributed the accident to wing failure during a recovery maneuver.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On July 6, 1978, an AS-202 Bravo aircraft, registration HB-HEU, departed from the Birrfeld airfield at 17:11 local time for a training flight. The aircraft was operated by Fliegerschule Birrfeld AG and was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-E2A engine. The flight was intended to complete aerobatic training for the student pilot, with an examination scheduled for the following day. The aircraft had a total airframe time of 3,063 hours, including 338 hours of aerobatic training. The weight and center of gravity were within the allowable limits for the flight, with a takeoff weight of 885 kg.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the failure of the right wing during a recovery maneuver. Contributing factors, which could not be weighted or determined in their specific combination, included a non-conforming lower spar cap, a pre-existing fatigue crack in the right wing's lower spar cap, excessive forces on the wing structure before and during the flight, and wind gusts.
Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 1978 FLUG- UND FAHRZEUGWERKE AG ALTENRHEIN (FFA) AS202/15 accident near Birrfeld Flugplatz (LSZF), AG, CH?

On July 6, 1978, an AS-202 Bravo (HB-HEU) crashed near Birrfeld after its right wing separated during aerobatic training. Both occupants were killed. The investigation attributed the accident to wing failure during a recovery maneuver.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 1978 FLUG- UND FAHRZEUGWERKE AG ALTENRHEIN (FFA) AS202/15 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 1978 involved a FLUG- UND FAHRZEUGWERKE AG ALTENRHEIN (FFA) AS202/15, registration HB-HEU, at Birrfeld Flugplatz (LSZF), AG, CH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the failure of the right wing during a recovery maneuver. Contributing factors, which could not be weighted or determined in their specific combination, included a non-conforming lower spar cap, a pre-existing fatigue crack in the right wing's lower spar cap, excessive forces on the wing…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB / SUST). Original record: https://www.sust.admin.ch/inhalte/AV-berichte/953.pdf. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB), Switzerland.