What happened
On July 25, 1959, a Zlin Trener Z-226-T, registration D-EGOK, departed from Samedan Airport on runway 03 for a sightseeing flight in the Upper Engadin. The flight, which included a pilot and one passenger, began normally under good visibility and light gusty winds. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a shallow climbing left turn. This maneuver transitioned into a horizontal right turn that progressively steepened into a descending right bank. Approximately two minutes after takeoff, the aircraft completed a 180-degree turn and struck the ground in a wooded area roughly 500 meters beyond the runway end and 400 meters to the right of the runway axis. The impact, which occurred with the engine still running, resulted in two fatalities and the total destruction of the aircraft.
The investigation
An administrative investigation was conducted by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation. Investigators examined the aircraft's technical condition, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the pilot's flight history, noting that while he had significant recent experience on this specific flight pattern, he lacked prior experience flying in high-altitude mountainous terrain. The wreckage was analyzed to determine if mechanical failure or control interference played a role. Witnesses were also interviewed regarding potential engine irregularities during the flight.
Findings
- The aircraft's engine and control systems showed no evidence of mechanical failure or defects prior to the impact.
- The aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within prescribed limits.
- While some witnesses reported unusual engine noises, expert witnesses could not confirm any irregularities beyond normal power reduction after takeoff.
- There was no evidence of a stall or an aerodynamic upset caused by the pilot.
- The investigation could not definitively determine the cause of the descending right turn, though it noted the pilot's lack of mountain flying experience as a factor that may have influenced his handling of the aircraft in the terrain.