Swiss Pilot Investigated After Glacier Take Off Through Ski Tourers
2nd May 2025
Last modified on May 11th, 2025
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation, FOCA, has opened proceedings to clarify the facts and take appropriate measures. A video of the incident has been posted on social media.
On April 26th the plane landed on a glacier in the Monte Rosa region of Italy and then took off.
A video filmed by one of the hikers present and posted on social media networks shows the small plane landing on the Sesia Pass at an altitude of 4,230m.
It turned around and then took off down the slope.
The plane accelerates and passes through a column of ski tourers.
The pilot involved, who has not been named, reported the incident and has apologised for his actions.
In a letter in English addressed to “dear fellow pilots and mountain people” and published in the Italian media the pilot apologised.
He said he had made “a serious error of judgement” and had immediately reported the incident to the relevant service.
“I am deeply sorry for the community that I love more than anything else.
“I hope this never happens to any of you.”
He said he had been flying for 45 years and has been trained to land and take off on glaciers this year.
The Geneva Aéroclub, owner of the aircraft, confirms that the pilot reported the accident to the authorities and submitted his report the same day.
It also specifies that the aircraft was used in a personal capacity by a private pilot as part of a private activity, unrelated to the training activities of the school.
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