Swiss Antonov An-2 badly damaged by storm at Birrfeld airfield

A heavy storm hit the Birrfeld airfield in Switzerland on the morning of August 28, between roughly 9 and 10 a.m. It caused significant damage to an Antonov An-2 belonging to the Starflight Association, according to the group.

No one was injured, the association said. But the aircraft's condition means planned sightseeing flights at an aviation festival in Kirchberg, due to start the same day, have had to be cancelled for now. The festival itself will still go ahead despite the loss of the aircraft.

The association said it is working urgently to find a replacement aircraft so that at least some sightseeing flights can take place on Sunday. It could not guarantee this would happen.

Starflight Association is dedicated to preserving and maintaining vintage and nostalgic aircraft. The storm also caused further damage at Birrfeld beyond the An-2. Several small aircraft were affected, along with hangar structures inside and out, and an outdoor installation set up for the Open Air Argovia event, the group said.

No further details were given on the extent of repairs needed or the cost of the damage.