SF 28A collision with transport cable near Carena results in fatal accident
On August 14, 1982, a SF 28A 'Tandem Falke' collided with a transport cable near Carena, Switzerland. The motor glider was on a sightseeing flight when it struck the cable and crashed into a forested area. The pilot was fatally injured, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed, and there was minor damage to the forest. The investigation noted potential disorientation due to poor visibility and the pilot's alcohol consumption as contributing factors.
- Self-launch sightseeing: The pilot self-launched the SF 28A motor glider from Locarno with a passenger for a local sightseeing flight, flying VFR in hazy conditions.
- Pilot under alcohol: The pilot commenced the flight while under the influence of alcohol, as later confirmed by post-mortem analysis.
- Haze and terrain: Strong haze in mountainous terrain and the presence of multiple registered transport cables in nearby valleys created a high-risk environment for low flying.
- Low entry into valley: The motor glider was flown low up an enclosed, cable-infested mountain valley, likely the Val Morobbia, possibly due to an orientation error in the haze.
- Cable strike: While flying along the valley side near Carena, the aircraft’s propeller spinner, right wing leading edge, and right tailplane struck a transport cable spanning the valley.
- Loss of control descent: Following the cable impact, the motor glider rolled right, pitched toward the slope, partially recovered, and then impacted the hillside at a steep angle.
- Crash - fatal: The aircraft crashed into forested terrain and was destroyed, fatally injuring the pilot and seriously injuring the passenger, with minor damage to the surrounding woodland.